“Drive with a Buddy”

Georgia’s Dog and Cat Sterilization Program will once again provide spay/neuter subsidies to pet owners beginning Sept. 1, 2006, Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin announced this week.

The DCSP provided more than $1 million in spay/neuter subsidies between November 2003 and April 2005, with 711 veterinarians performing spay/neuter procedures on pets in all 159 Georgia counties.

During this time, 92 percent of all funds received paid for spay/neuter subsidies. Due to lack of funding, the spay/neuter subsidies were suspended in April 2005.

Because the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program receives no public tax funding, it relies on donations to achieve its critical spay/neuter mission. Specialty license plate sales currently provide the primary source of funding for the DCSP.

Georgians may purchase the new “Buddy” license plate, featuring a Golden Retriever, or the original Dog and Cat License Plate at county tag offices statewide for a one-time $25 fee.

More than $22 from each license plate sold is specifically earmarked for spay/neuter procedures performed by licensed and accredited veterinarians and educational outreach on the healthy choice of spay/neuter.

“Increased sales of our new Buddy License Plate as well as the 2006 State Income Tax Checkoff on tax returns filed in 2007 will allow us to continue this important program and help curb pet overpopulation in our state,” said Commissioner Tommy Irvin.

In addition to purchasing specialty license plates for their vehicles, individuals may make a donation directly to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program in honor or memory of a loved one or pet by contacting the DCSP office: DCSP, P.O. Box 347043, Atlanta, GA 30334-7043, (404) 656-3667.

Georgians may also contact the office to locate a participating local veterinarian and to obtain a copy of program’s “Rules and Regulations.” Visit us on the web at www.agr.georgia.gov. The Georgia Department of Agriculture encourages motorists to “drive with a Buddy!”

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