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Alpine council approves $100 spay/neuter voucher pilot to ease shelter intake
Summary
The Alpine City Council unanimously approved a pilot program authorizing up to $100 vouchers to help low-income residents spay or neuter pets, a measure city staff said should reduce shelter intakes over time.
The Alpine City Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2025-05-13 to fund a pilot spay-and-neuter voucher program, Mayor Catherine Deeb said.
Jennifer Stewart, who runs the city animal shelter, told council the city has budgeted funds for spay and neuter services and that a $100 voucher would cover a majority of typical surgery costs. “For a hundred dollars, going towards that spay neuter, that is a majority of most spay neuter costs,” Stewart said.
Council members discussed program operations and eligibility. City staff said the voucher fund currently has a cushion because shelter intake has been lower this year than in prior years and that vouchers would be offered to low-income households, repeat at-large animals, and owners with repeated accidental breeding. Stewart said the pilot would begin immediately; when asked, she said, “Tomorrow.”
Under the approved resolution, animal services will use currently budgeted funds to provide up to $100 per voucher. The council directed staff to put internal controls in place before distribution and to treat redeemed vouchers as already expended from the current fiscal-year budget so the city can stop offering vouchers if funds are exhausted.
Council members who spoke voiced broad support. Council Member Eva Martinez said she supported the program and acknowledged the money had already been budgeted, and other members noted the city historically sees increased intakes in summer months.
The resolution passed unanimously; the city secretary recorded the vote as all council members present voting in favor.
