Spay/Neuter Grant Program

The GVMA Foundation collaborates with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to provide reimbursements for spay/neuter surgeries to reduce euthanasia rates and increase access to vital spay/neuter procedures across Georgia, particularly in underserved communities.

Geographic Scope: Georgia (statewide focus on underserved communities)

Focus Areas:

• Spay/neuter surgeries
• Animal welfare
• Euthanasia rate reduction
• Access to care in underserved rural communities

Eligibility:

• Veterinarians: Must be GVMA members to participate under the GVMA Foundation's application
• Organizations: Grant is only open to non-profit or government groups (shelters, rescues)
• Associate veterinarians: Can only participate if they join before the application period closes; mid-cycle additions not permitted
• Participants: Shelters and rescues can partner with local GVMA member veterinarians

What is Funded:

• Direct reimbursement to participating veterinarians for spay/neuter procedures performed
• Amount charged is determined by the veterinarian
• No set limit on number of procedures per veterinarian/hospital, though funding may be allocated to spread resources across the state

What is NOT Funded: N/A

Program Details:

• Managed and overseen by Georgia Department of Agriculture
• GVMA Foundation acts as conduit connecting grant funding with member veterinarians
• Funds available for 12-month period starting from date of distribution; procedures dated outside this window are not reimbursed
• Reimbursement timeline: approximately 5-10 business days

Expectations of Participants:

• Keep proper medical records
• Apply line item showing grant subsidy on client receipts
• Market program to clients and rescues
• Display signage in lobby about program
• Host celebration event for team after completing committed number of procedures
• Share success stories with pictures (with owner permission)
• Submit procedure reports weekly via online form

Contact Information:

• Georgia Veterinary Medical Association
• 6050 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste. 240-381
• Norcross, GA 30092
• Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Program managed by Georgia Department of Agriculture

Application Process

For Veterinarians:

1. Fill out veterinarian information form before application deadline
2. GVMA Foundation submits member information under one collective application to Georgia Department of Agriculture
3. After application window closes, GDA determines fund allocation to GVMA Foundation
4. Participating veterinarians notified of approved reimbursement amounts
5. Upon approval, veterinarian receives access to online procedure reporting system

Reporting & Reimbursement Process:

1. Access online form to track each procedure completed
2. Submit one form per procedure
3. Submit forms once per week
4. GVMA Foundation sends reimbursement check for procedures submitted that week
5. Typical processing time: 5-10 business days

For Shelters/Rescues:

1. Partner with a GVMA member veterinarian in your area
2. Discuss how to work together to offer low-cost spay/neuter services
3. Schedule procedures with partner veterinarian for eligible animals
4. Veterinarian handles all reporting and reimbursement
5. Contact local GVMA member or animal shelter for participating veterinarian referrals

Required Materials:

• Veterinarian information form (for participating vets)
• Proper medical records for all procedures
• Weekly procedure submission forms
• Exam Application (for CVA program, if applicable)
• Skills Validation Checklist (for CVA program, if applicable)

Timeline Notes:

• Application window: Annually (dates vary by year; 2024 cycle closed)
• Grant funds available for 12-month period from distribution date
• Procedures dated outside funding period not reimbursed
• Sign up for notifications for next application cycle opening