ACS: Over half of 2,200 spay-neuter vouchers put to use

Tracking other half “a priority” says ACS director

SAN ANTONIO – After the coronavirus pandemic began and its clinics limited their capacity, Animal Care Services was forced to no longer do in-house spay and neuter surgeries.

Instead, ACS issued 2,200 taxpayer-funded vouchers to cover the cost to have them done by veterinarians and other organizations that partner with ACS, said Heber Lefgren, its director.

Although state law requires animals be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, Lefgren said it also provides other ways to do that.

One of them, he said, is passing along the responsibility to the person adopting the animal.

“That voucher provides the free resources, but the law still requires the owner to ensure that pet gets sterilized,” Lefgren said.

He said they must sign a sterilization agreement and abide by the conditions specified in the voucher.

C-19 SN Voucher and Waiver by Cody King on Scribd

“We let them know of the requirement that the state has to ensure that the pet be spayed or neutered,” Lefgren said. “If necessary, a violation can result in us issuing citations to make sure that the owner does come into compliance.”

But as of now, Lefgren said, no citations have been issued.

He said just over half, or 1,131, have complied.

The other vouchers were for animals that were taken in by rescue groups that chose other options to get them sterilized, Lefgren said.

Even so, he said, “ACS is tracking those vouchers. It is our priority to be able to make sure that they are sterilized."

A voided spay/neuter voucher from Animal Care Services. (Animal Care Services)

However, Lefgren pointed out that ACS understands other clinics also had to limit the number of surgeries it does.

“We are being compassionate. We are being understanding,” Lefgren said. “Because there have not been any signs that have indicated a willful intent to not come into compliance.”

But now that ACS is starting to ramp up its in-house, spay-neuter services, Lefgren said, “We have some capacity and we’re inviting some of them back.”

RELATED: Outdoor cat population in San Antonio exploding as spay, neuter programs remain closed due to COVID-19


About the Authors:

Jessie Degollado has been with KSAT since 1984. She is a general assignments reporter who covers a wide variety of stories. Raised in Laredo and as an anchor/reporter at KRGV in the Rio Grande Valley, Jessie is especially familiar with border and immigration issues. In 2007, Jessie also was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.

William Caldera has been at KSAT since 2003. He covers a wide range of stories including breaking news, weather, general assignments and sports.