LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – February is recognized nationally as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) is encouraging local pet owners to take advantage of its Community Spay/Neuter (CSN) Services. The program provides low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to qualified pet owners throughout the Truckee and Tahoe region.
Participants must reside within the Tahoe Basin and HSTT’s service area, which includes Truckee, Eastern Placer County, Eastern Nevada County, Sierra County, Southeastern Plumas County, Eastern El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe from Glenbrook to Meyers. Eligibility is determined using gross household income from page one of the household tax form 1040, along with verification of current pet vaccinations.
Spaying and neutering pets remains the most effective way to prevent unwanted litters, reduce shelter intake and improve the overall health and behavior of dogs and cats. HSTT works to remove financial barriers so more community pets can receive this essential preventative care. In 2025, HSTT provided more than 450 surgeries for community pets, a 12% increase over 2024 and the highest annual total on record.
Spay/neuter surgeries are offered on a sliding-scale fee structure ranging from $40–$135 for cats and $60–$250 for dogs. Low-cost microchipping is available for $15 for any dog or cat in the region, and free microchips are available to Truckee residents. Unowned, outdoor community cats may be altered at no cost through HSTT’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program by appointment.
Surgeries take place at the high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter (HVHQSN) clinic at the Truckee Animal Shelter for Truckee and North Lake Tahoe area pets. Qualifying residents located in South Lake Tahoe receive services through partner veterinary hospitals.
“This program exists to support pets who would otherwise not receive spay or neuter surgery,” said Kara Carstensen, outreach director at the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. “By providing accessible, affordable services, pets stay healthy, families stay together, and pet overpopulation is minimized in our service areas.”
Pet owners interested in participating are encouraged to submit the online application as soon as possible, as appointment availability can fill quickly.
The Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe extends sincere thanks to the foundations and partners who make this program possible, including the Helen Close Charitable Foundation, Thelma Doelger Trust for Animals, Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, Lahontan Community Foundation Fund held at the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, Martis Camp Community Foundation, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and the Truckee Tahoe Airport District.
For more information about Community Spay/Neuter Services, eligibility requirements, or to apply, visit https://hstt.org/services-resources/community-spay-neuter/ or for more information on the organization, visit www.hstt.org.