El Paso Animal Services is making it easier for pet owners to neuter their pets by offering free services to low-income residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

Currently, there are numerous surgery slots available during the month of March for male dogs and male cats. The services are made possible through a generous grant from PetSmart Charities, which supports programs and organizations that help prevent pet homelessness.

Pet owners interested in the services will need to bring their male pets to the Socorro Clinic (9060 Socorro Rd.) at 7 a.m. on one of the listed dates below. Surgery slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and the veterinarian may turn pets away if they do not meet the requirements listed below. If pets are current on vaccinations, pet owner must bring proof of such or your pet will be revaccinated.

Pets should be fasting; nothing to eat after 8 p.m. the evening before surgery. Puppies and kittens (up to 1 year) should not have solid food after 11 p.m. the night before the surgery.

Pet Requirements

• Males only
• Dogs: 3 months to 5 years, 3 lbs. to 75 lbs. (no Dobermans)
• Cats: 3 months to 3 years, 3 lbs. to 12 lbs. (no stub nose breeds)
• No Unilateral Cryptorchids (pets with undescended testicles)
• No high-risk surgeries (overweight, sick, aggressive and senior pets)

Surgery Dates & Available Slots

March 4:        15 male cats

March 9:        25 male dogs

March 10:      25 male dogs

March 16:      30 male dogs

March 17:      30 male dogs

March 18:      30 male cats, 20 female cats

March 23:      30 male dogs

March 24:      30 male dogs