Spaying or neutering your pet has many health benefits for your animal. Not only that, it keeps our animal population under control. Check out my article called "Why You Should Fix Your Pet" for more information. Although it is important to keep your pet healthy, many people cannot afford to get their pet fixed. Many counties offer reduced services to help keep the animal population under control. Here are some in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas.

1. Hillsborough County $10 Voucher

Hillsborough county offers a voucher program to residents within the county. To qualify you must show proof of income, which must be 185 percent of the poverty level, or show proof of assistance (ex. food stamps, Medicaid, etc.). You can pick up the voucher at the Pet Resource Center or the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. You can also print it out and send it in. The voucher includes the spay/neuter surgery, a county license tag and a rabies vaccine for only $10.

2. Pasco County

Pasco has similar program, except the cost for dogs is $20 and is $10 for cats. The form can also be found online.

3. PetLuv Clinic in Brooksville

PetLuv has affordable surgeries, as well as shots. Surgery cost for dogs depend on their weight. For a list of prices, visit their website.

4. Trap and Release

Most Humane Societies have a trap and release programs for stray cats, including the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. For $20, you can help keep the cat population under control and make sure the cat colony is healthy. The will vaccinate, fix and tip the ear. A cat with a tipped ear has already been fixed. Traps can be picked up from the humane society. For more information, call the feral cat staff at 813-625-0910 or check out their website.

5. Pinellas County

Although slightly more expensive than the ones above, SPOT clinic is still a reduced clinic for spay/neuter and other veterinary services. For prices and more information visit their website.

6. Humane Society in Polk County

The Humane Society of Polk does similar voucher programs as the ones above. They go through a few animal hospitals such as Privileged Critters, Bartow Animal Clinic, TLC Petsnip and a few others. Check out their website for more information.

For a list of reduced clinics by county in Florida visit FlaSpay. To find a reduced clinic in your area, visit the ASPCA website. If you'd like help finding one in your area, comment below and I will do my best to find an affordable one in your area.

For emergency spay/neuter, many vets will accept Care Credit. You can apply online. Also for emergency situations, see my article "What Can I do for my Pet in an Emergency Situation."