Public Assistance
There is a limit of one voucher per month, per household.
To obtain a voucher, first you must have an appointment at a participating veterinarian scheduled for no further than 30 days out. Then, please call HSWC at 301-733-2060 to inquire about availability of public assistance funds.
SNAP Voucher Program - Participating Veterinarians.pdf
The SNAP Program
The SNAP program (Spay Neuter Assistance Program) provides a discount voucher redeemable at any participating Washington County veterinarian for spaying and neutering. It is funded by the Washington County Dog Licensing Program. SNAP covers $80 for a dog spay/neuter plus $10 per animal for pain medication, $60 for a female cat spay plus $10 per animal for pain medication, $30 for male cat neuter plus $10 per animal for pain medication. All residents of Washington County qualify. Additional program requirements are proof of a current dog license and rabies vaccination. If unavailable, the client will be required to pay for them when they drop off their pet at the clinic for surgery. There is a limit of one per month/ three (3) cats and two (2) dogs per fiscal year.
There is no co-pay to HSWC.
Note: Additional expenses may be incurred at the veterinarian’s office.
The H.E.L.P. Program
H.E.L.P. (Humane Emergency Link-Up Program) assists owners in retaining ownership of their pet. For emergency situations the program can assist with veterinary costs, temporary boarding of pets, pet deposits, etc. ($100 limit). Any Washington County resident who is currently experiencing a hardship due to the economic climate may qualify. Additional requirements are proof of financial hardship, such as unemployment benefits, proof of pending foreclosure, notice of bankruptcy, or workers’ compensation benefits. This program is dependent upon available funding.
Temporary Pet Food Bank Assistance Program
HSWC’s 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 Pet Food Bank is a free service driven by donations from individuals and businesses in the community. This program receives no funding from state or local government. The food bank operates every other Tuesday of each month from 11am to 6pm.
Wet and dry cat food and dog food and cat litter may be provided when it's available. Availability is contingent upon donations.
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.
Residents receiving food or litter assistance are not eligible to adopt more animals until they have not been receiving assistance for a minimum of 3 months.
If interested in donating food or litter towards our Pet Food Bank Program, please bring donations to the Receiving/Lost & Found entrance of the building. Donations are always appreciated!
Wellness Clinics
HSWC offers Wellness Clinics for the owned pets of Washington County to receive low-cost vaccinations, microchips, and other services. The Wellness Clinics are drive-up, curbside clinics where cars will wait in line and be helped in the order in which they arrive.
Dogs are serviced from 9:00am to 12:30pm. No additional dogs will be serviced once there are 40 canines in line. Cats are serviced from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. No additional cats will be serviced once there are 40 felines in line.
Please print and fill out the Wellness Clinic Registration Form for each pet in advance and bring it with you to the clinic. Click here for more information about our Wellness Clinics.
Note: Clinic services are for Washington County residents only.
Silver Lining for Seniors
Silver Lining for Seniors is a program established by local Washington County resident, certified professional dog trainer and owner of BPWSITV Karol Kennedy, along with brothers John and Michael to honor the memory of their mother Marie. The program provides financial assistance to enable Washington County senior citizens to adopt animals from the HSWC!