The Texas Department of State Health Services launched a Texas Spay and Neuter Program, and Bastrop County will be among the first counties for consideration.
About the program
The 89th Texas Legislature appropriated $13 million for the two-year pilot program as part of Senate Bill 1, the state’s $338 billion budget for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
“The focus of the Texas Spay and Neuter pilot program is to protect human health by reducing the population of cats and dogs that may carry infectious diseases,” according to open enrollment documents for the Texas Spay and Neuter Program. “Eligible activity includes the sterilization of cats and dogs.”
Zooming in
Although award amounts range from $50,000 to $500,000 per fiscal year, Bastrop County Assistant Auditor Nicole Moore told commissioners Bastrop County Animal Services is seeking $375,000 over the course of the two fiscal years.
“This is going to be $300 per dog for spay and neuter, and $200 per cat for spay and neuter,” Moore said during a Feb. 23 Bastrop County Commissioners Court meeting. “That’s roughly 10 cats and 10 dogs per week that we would be reimbursed on.”
The outlook
May 13 is the last day to apply for the pilot program, according to DSHS documents.
If approved, Moore told commissioners Bastrop County officials plan to submit monthly for the reimbursement.
Notable quote
“I really appreciate the effort to apply for this,” Precinct 2 Commissioner David Glass said during the meeting.
