Ian Juarez HARLINGEN – The City of Harlingen received a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services to establish a new low-cost spay/neuter program in mid-September.
The Harlingen Environmental Health Department teamed up with the Arroyo Animal Hospital in early October to provide these surgeries.
According to the Harlingen Environmental Health Director, Shannon Harvill, the $9,000 Zoonosis grant is only provided for the surgery of the spay and neuter, excluding other fees.
Although the maximum capacity for the first grant has been reached, Harvill said a second grant of $20,000 has been donated by Petco Love, a nonprofit animal charity, which is estimated to be rolled out late October or early November.
To set up an appointment, residents may contact the Harlingen Environmental Health Department to schedule a surgery date with the Arroyo Animal Hospital. Harvill said in addition to a Texas I.D., residents must bring a few forms of identification to be serviced.
“They will need to bring with them their W-2 or proof of income, their IRS statement W-2 things of that sort,” said Harvill. “And they will need to bring in some type of utility bill that shows that they do reside in Harlingen city limits.” On a Facebook post by the city’s mayor, Norma Sepulveda, it states the service will cost residents $50 for dogs and $40 for cats.
For more information, contact the Harlingen Environmental Health Department at (956) 216-5220 or at 502 E. Tyler Ave
