Help Fix ME, the State of Maine’s new low-income spay/neuter program for cats and dogs, has been inundated with requests for assistance. This program will keep thousands of unwanted animals from being born and relinquished to Maine’s shelters.

Current Situation

Approximately 8,445 cats and dogs are euthanized in Maine's Aimals Shelter's every year.

The Status Quo

According to conservative estimates there are approximately 43,300 cats and dogs in Maine that need to be altered who owners are eligible for the Help Fix ME Program.

The hard facts are the number of dogs one unaltered female and her offspring can produce in 6 years is 67,000. The number of cats one unaltered female and her offspring can produce in 7 years is 420,000. Therefore, without action Maine's animals shelters will be inundated with thousands of animals whose fate will likely be euthanasia.

Maine's Opportunity

In 2003 Maine's legislature took the first step to prevent this tragedy from occurring with the passage of an increase in dog licensing which allowed $1.00 of that increase to go to the Help Fix ME program.

Program to Date

The Help Fix ME program kickoff was August 9, 2004. In just 5 weeks all $100,000 of initial funding was allocated. Unfortunately this only equates to approximately 1,000 dogs and cats. This initial surge of applications clearly demonstrates the need exists plus low-income dog and caf owners want to spay/neuter their dogs and cats but simply can't afford it. Currently, the Help Fix ME program is awaiting more funds to continue to meet the demand for requested vouchers.

Our Hope For A More Humane Maine

The success of the program to date shows the unmef demand for this crucial program. However, we must have consistent funds to ensure the continuity of this program. Help Fix ME is the only proactive statewide program that will reduce the number of unwanted pets and therefore decrease euthanasia rates in Maine's Animal Shelters.

Please help save lives and reduce euthanasia. Here are three easy ways you can help:

1. License your dog $1 of it supports Help Fix ME.
2. Mark the check-off box Labeled Companion Animal Sterilization Fund on your Maine state tax return.

3. Mail a donation payable to Treasurer, State of Maine and designate it for Help Fix ME. Mail to: Animal Welfare Program, 28 State House StaiCion, Augusta, ME 4333.

Help Fix ME low income spay/neuter program 1-800-367-1317