Public Assistance FAQ
I want to get my pet fixed but can’t afford it.
HSWC offers a spay/neuter voucher program for Washington County, MD residents only. Please call 301-733-2060 to see if there is funding available before making an appointment. Once confirming funding is available, please make an appointment with one of the participating veterinarian hospitals below, then come into the HSWC during our normal business hours for the voucher. The staff will need to see photo ID and proof of current address confirming you are a Washington County, MD resident in order to process your application. You will then take the voucher with you to the spay/neuter appointment and hand it to the veterinary hospital when you drop off your pet(s) for their surgery.
Veterinary participation varies so please check with your vet when you make an appointment to ensure they will accept the voucher.
SNAP Program
Discount voucher which will cover $80 toward spay/neuter of a dog, $60 toward the spay of a female cat, or $30 toward the neuter of a male cat. Additionally the voucher also includes up to $10 toward post-operative pain medication for the pet. Most veterinarians charge more than this amount so the owner is responsible for paying the balance to the hospital.
Limit per person: 3 cats and 2 dogs per fiscal year (HSWC fiscal year is July-June)
Funding for the SNAP program is through generous donations and the dog licenses sold in Washington County.
Participating Veterinarians
Animal Health Clinic of Funkstown
Antietam Valley Vet Clinic (Dr. Wagner)
Boonsboro Veterinary Hospital
Cumberland Valley Vet Clinic
Hancock Animal Hospital
Longmeadow Animal Hospital
Mid-Atlantic Animal Hospital
Park Circle Animal Hospital
Smithsburg Veterinary Clinic
Stone Marsh Mobile Vet
The veterinarian may have extra charges for necessary services. Please discuss those charges with the vet prior to your appointment.
I need help feeding my pet. Do you have free or low cost pet food? How do I get some?
The HSWC has a Pet Food Bank program that is available to Washington County residents. Supplies are generously supplied by companies such as Petsmart, Petco, Walmart, and Tractor Supply as well as private donations.
The Pet Food Bank is designed to help families in Washington County (MD) keep their pets when times are hard and when the only alternative might be to give them up by surrendering them to a shelter or rescue. The program is not intended to be a permanent source of pet food. The food bank operates every other Tuesday of each month from 11am to 6pm.
You must be a Washington County resident and show a valid state-issued ID to receive benefits. Washington County residents are eligible to receive 3 months of assistance. All cats and dogs must have up-to-date rabies vaccinations and all dogs must also have valid county licenses.
Wet and dry cat food and dog food will be provided, and cat litter will be provided when it's available. Individuals can come once per week to obtain food. You must be a Washington County resident and show a valid state-issued ID to receive benefits.
Donations of food or money for the Pet Food Bank can be submitted at any time in the shelter during normal business hours.
I need financial help to get my animal seen by a veterinarian.
The H.E.L.P. program at HSWC is for Washington County residents who are receiving government financial assistance or in financial hardship such as unemployment, and need immediate financial assistance to take their pet to a veterinarian. Vouchers are for up to $100 per person per animal. Those applying will need to bring photo ID, proof of residence in Washington County, and proof of needing financial assistance (unemployment funds, government assistance, disability, etc.). Please check with your veterinarian to make sure they will accept the voucher when you make your appointment.
For those who do not qualify for the H.E.L.P. program we have contact information for other programs and organizations that may be able to help no matter where you reside. Please call 301-733-2060 for more information.
What is Silver Lining for Seniors?
Silver Lining for Seniors is available to Washington County residents 65 years of age or older to assist with adopting from the HSWC or to help with medical care for an animal adopted from the HSWC. You can view the brochure here.