“Check It for Pets”: Income Tax Checkoff Gives Dogs and Cats a Break

Atlanta, GA – Georgians now have the opportunity to provide spay/neuter assistance to dogs and cats throughout the Peach State simply by filling out their tax forms. The Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund State Income Tax Checkoff is now available on 2006 state income tax forms.

The checkoff is located on line 32 of form 500 and line 15 of form 500EZ. Georgians may donate as much as they would like from their tax refunds or in their payments to support the Program. Created in 2004 by House Bill 452, the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund Income Tax Checkoff provides vital funding for the Department’s statewide spay/neuter program.

Since November 2003, more than 800 participating veterinarians performed almost 22,000 spay/neuter procedures on pets in all 159 Georgia counties.

“We hope that this new checkoff will provide the much-needed funds to allow the Program to continue providing spay/neuter subsidies,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin. “Because the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program receives no state funding, we depend solely on donations to achieve our critical spay/neuter mission. This additional source of funding will supplement license plate sales and help curb pet overpopulation in our state.”

Georgians may purchase “Buddy” license plates and original Dog and Cat License Plates at their county tag offices for a one-time $25.00 fee. More than $22.00 of this fee goes directly to fund spay/neuter subsidies and educational outreach. To donate directly to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program in honor or memory of a loved one or pet, or to find a veterinarian in your area, contact the Program office below:
DCSP, P.O. Box 347043, Atlanta, GA 30334-7043, (404) 656-3667.

Visit us on the web at www.agr.georgia.gov.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture encourages motorists to “drive with a Buddy!” and “Check It for Pets”

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