FAQs - Spay/Neuter Services at BMHS

Q: How can I qualify for services for my pet at BMHS?

A: To qualify for services for your pet at BMHS, you need to comply with Washington State law. BMHS provides subsidized spay and neuter services exclusively for pet owners who meet the eligibility criteria based on household income. The specific qualifying household incomes are detailed in the chart available on our website.

When scheduling for tier 1 services, please ensure to check the box confirming that you meet the income qualifications as specified in the chart.

For additional financial assistance, we also offer lower tier 2 service rates for individuals who can furnish proof of state or federal assistance.

Q: What documentation is required to be eligible for tier 2 services based on low income and verifiability?

A: To qualify for low-income verifiable tier 2 services, you need to provide specific documentation. When scheduling your appointment online for tier 2 services, it is essential to attach proof of public assistance. Acceptable assistance programs for verification include food stamps/SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, WIC, TANF, free/reduced lunches, and Section 8 housing. To demonstrate your current utilization of state assistance, you must submit at least one of these documents or a government-issued award letter.

Q: How much do spaying/neutering services cost for low-income individuals?

A: You can find a comprehensive list of services and their corresponding prices on our website.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment for spay/neuter services?

A: All scheduling is exclusively conducted online. Visit our website and review the spay/neuter scheduling page to verify your eligibility. After reading the details, proceed to the bottom of the page and click on "schedule appointment."

Please note that a deposit is mandatory for scheduling, and only debit/credit cards are accepted in adherence to BMHS policy. We regret to inform you that appointments cannot be scheduled over the phone or with cash or check.

Q: I don’t have a credit/debit card; how can I schedule?

Unfortunately, appointments can only be scheduled with a credit card and the necessary deposit. An alternative solution is to use cash at a grocery store to buy a Visa gift card, which can be utilized for scheduling.

For additional assistance, our website provides resources with various options for financial support.

Q: What is the deposit amount when scheduling, and is it refundable?

• $80 for cats

• $175 for dogs

The deposit is non-refundable unless you contact us within 48 hours of your appointment to reschedule. Please note that if you no-show for your appointment, your deposit will be forfeited to BMHS.

Q: I am low-income, so I thought the services were free. I can’t pay anything, what am I supposed to do?

A: Unfortunately, we can only schedule appointments with a credit card and the required deposit. An alternative option is to use cash at a grocery store to purchase a Visa gift card, which can then be used for scheduling.

For additional assistance, our website provides resources with various options for financial support.

Q: Are there any additional services offered in conjunction with subsidized spay/neuter?

A: Absolutely! These services come at reduced costs when performed at the time of surgery:

• Vaccines

• Microchip

• Deworming

• Flea/Tick prevention

• Nail trim

Q: What preventative services does the clinic offer for low-income individuals?

A: Our low-income Healthy Pet Services provides vaccines, deworming, flea/tick prevention, microchipping, anal gland expression, and nail trims.

Q: Is financial assistance available for other veterinary services?

A: BMHS exclusively offers financial assistance for low-income subsidized spay/neuter and preventative care services. Please note that we are not a full-service veterinary clinic and cannot accommodate sick pets. Additionally, we do not operate as an urgent care/emergency vet, and there is no vet on staff 24/7.

We strongly recommend having a plan for emergency care with your regular veterinarian. Alternative emergency care options are also listed on our website for reference.

Q: What can I expect for aftercare for my pet after scheduling a spay/neuter appointment? Are there any post-surgery care instructions?

A: Certainly, you can find detailed post-surgery care instructions in this instructional video and this PDF with instructions available in both English and Spanish.

Upon scheduling your online appointment and its confirmation, you will receive confirmation emails containing links to the video and a Word document with instructions.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the number of pets I can bring for spay/neuter services?

A: No, there are no restrictions, but please note that individual appointments and deposits must be made for each pet.

Q: I am having trouble scheduling; what can I do?

If you need assistance, feel free to contact us at 509-525-2452 or via email at vetservices@bluemountainhumane.org.

Q: My dog/cat’s incision looks weird/bad/not sure.

For any questions about post-surgery medical care, please call us at 509-525-2452 and have this information ready:

1. When was your pet’s appointment?

2. Have you been following our strict post-operative care instructions? Refer to this instructional video and this PDF with instructions available in both English and Spanish.

3. Has your dog or female cat been wearing their required e-collar?

4. Is this problem related to the surgery?

If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency (such as difficulty breathing, non-responsiveness, or extreme illness), please seek care from your regular veterinarian immediately. Visit this link for regional emergency services. Please note that we do not have a full-service clinic or diagnostic capabilities, and we lack in-house emergency care resources.