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We are pleased to be a PetFix partner and are excited about the arrival of the PetFix Mobile Clinic here at the Cleveland APL.  PetFix is a nonprofit mobile spay/neuter clinic assisting in reducing pet overpopulation by making spay/neuter surgeries affordable and accessible to low-income pet guardians, feral cat caregivers, shelters and rescues in Northeast Ohio.  PetFix recently completed its 5,000th spay/neuter surgery . . . you can read the complete story about this historic event here!

To ensure that only those who cannot afford private veterinary fees are served by PetFix, owners/caregivers are required to show proof that they are low-income or are receiving or eligible for public assistance, as follows:

I. Owned cats and dogs are eligible for PetFix low-cost surgeries if:

1. The owner, or the owner’s children living in the home, demonstrates eligibility for one of the following government assistance programs identified through the PetsOhio grant program:

• Low-income housing assistance under the "United States Housing Act of 1937," 42 U.S.C.A. 1437f, as amended, known as the federal section 8 housing program
• The Ohio works first program established by Chapter 5107. of the Revised Code
• Title XIX of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended, known as the medical assistance program or Medicaid, provided by the department of job and family services under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code
• A program or law administered by the United States department of veterans' affairs or veterans' administration for any service-connected disability
• The food stamp program established under the "Food Stamp Act of 1977," 91 Stat. 958, 7 U.S.C.A. 2011, as amended, administered by the department of job and family services under section 5101.54 of the Revised Code
• The "special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children" established under the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," 80 Stat. 885, 42 U.S.C. 1786, as amended, administered by the department of health under section 3701.132 of the Revised Code
• Supplemental security income under Title XVI of the "Social Security Act," 86 Stat. 1475 (1972), 42 U.S.C.A. 1383, as amended

2. The income of the owner’s family does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.  Annual income should        not exceed:
   
   Single Person      $16,245       Family of Two  $21,855
   Family of Three  $27,465         Family of Four  $33,075         
   Family of Five   $38,685           Family of Six     $44,295      
   Family of Seven  $49,905        Family of Eight  $55,515
   
   Clients who cannot demonstrate proof of eligibility for public assistance and seek to qualify on the basis of income will be asked to complete a form stating total family income and present pay stubs or W-2 forms as documentation.

3. They are recommended by a veterinarian in private practice (occasionally a good client may fall upon temporary hard times; if a veterinarian feels that their client is in need and does not yet have proof of need, PetFix will provide service to that client following
   communication from that client’s veterinarian.)         

II.  Feral cats in managed colonies are eligible for PetFix low-cost surgeries without regard to the income level of the caregiver.

Generally, the easiest ways for people to show proof are by showing a Medicaid Card or by obtaining a Letter of Eligibility from their local welfare office.