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Frequently Asked Questions
When will there be a clinic in my area?
SNAP holds clinics in Chula Vista, El Cajon, City Heights, Oceanside, and Escondido. From time to time
clinics will be held in other locations. Please see the Neuter Scooter Bus Schedule
for a list of upcoming clinics. Please note: clinics dates will be listed as soon as they are scheduled. Appointments
are scheduled by our hotline volunteers. We cannot guarantee that you will receive an appointment on your preferred
date. Please do not wait for a clinic in your area to be posted on our website; call (866)-SPAYBUS (866)-772-9287 today for information
and to get your pet(s) spayed or neutered.
What kinds of animals does SNAP spay/neuter?
SNAP will spay/neuter pet dogs and cats, as well as a limited number of feral cats. All kittens and puppies
need to be 8 weeks or older, and need to
weigh at least 2 pounds. Due to space restrictions on the bus, we are unable to spay or neuter
very large/tall dogs. If your dog is an adult St. Bernard, Mastiff, Great Dane, Afghan Hound, Newfoundland, Irish
Wolfhound, Bernese Mountain Dog, a mix of any of these breeds, or a dog of similar size/height please call us
at (619) 525-3047 for more information. Depending on the dog's size, we may be able to spay/neuter
your large breed puppy on the Neuter Scooter.
Can SNAP spay/neuter my rabbit?
SNAP does not alter rabbits on the Neuter Scooter. If you are looking to get your rabbit(s) fixed, please visit the San
Diego House Rabbit Society's website for information on their generous spay/neuter rebate.
Because rabbit surgeries are different from those performed on other cats and dogs, it is highly
recommended that you see a vet who is very rabbit experienced and whose practice sees rabbits on a regular basis -
at least 50 per year. See HRS' list of local rabbit-experienced veterinarians.
How old does my kitten or puppy have to be to get spayed or neutered?
Kittens and puppies can be spayed or neutered at 8 weeks of age as long as they weigh at least 2 pounds.
Toy or mini breeds may be ready at a lower weight, please call us for details.
How much will it cost to have my pet(s) spayed/neutered through SNAP?
Fees for spay/neuter on the Neuter Scooter range from $30 to $50 (more details).
My pet(s) have an appointment to be fixed on the Neuter Scooter. Where do we need to go?
You will receive a reminder call typically 5 days prior to your clinic appointment, with the time & date as
well as directions to the clinic. You may also call our hotline at (866)-SPAYBUS (866)-772-9287 to find out
where and when your appointment will be.
Can my pet have food and water before the surgery?
On the day before your appointment, please feed your pet dinner even if you normally don't feed him or her in
the evening. Do not give any food after midnight, but allow your pet to drink water until you take it to the
Neuter Scooter. Kittens and puppies up to 6 months of age should be fed half their regular breakfast on the
morning of their appointment.
I was unable to get an appointment on the Neuter Scooter, what do I do?
In a typical month SNAP fixes between 300 and 500 animals on the Neuter Scooter. The demand for low-cost spay/neuter
in San Diego County is obviously much higher than the two buses can accommodate. For those whose pets can't be fixed on the Neuter
Scooter, we offer referrals to vet hospitals that offer low-cost spay/neuter. Depending on where you live this
option may actually be more convenient for you than one of our Neuter Scooter clinics. Fees for these services vary by
veterinarian. For a referral to a veterinarian in your area who generously provides reduced spay/neuter fees, please call the
SNAP Hotline at (866)-SPAYBUS (866)-772-9287, or download the of list of veterinarians (Acrobat Reader required).
I have called the SNAP Hotline but haven't heard back. What do I do?
Our phone calls are answered by volunteers. They do their best to return calls quickly but depending on the call
volume it may take a little longer before you hear back from us. Typically calls are returned within three working
days. If you haven't received a call back after three working days please check the following:
- Did you leave your phone number? Please make sure you include your phone number every time you call.
Be sure to say your phone number slowly and clearly, one digit at a time, including your area code. Repeat the phone
number so we'll be sure to get it right.
- Did you check your voicemail? If our call-back volunteers don't reach you they will leave a message. Please
check your answering machine or voicemail.
- Did someone else take our call? Please check with others in the household to make sure they didn't forget
to let you know we called.
- Still no luck? Perhaps your phone call didn't get recorded properly. If you called from a cell phone the reception
may have been bad and perhaps you were cutting out while leaving your phone number. Please call us once more at
(866)-SPAYBUS (866)-772-9287.
I am trying to get an appointment to have my pet spayed or neutered, but I can't seem to get through to your hotline.
If you are calling our 1-866 number from an area code outside our service area (for example because you kept your cell phone number
when you moved here from out of state) you may not be able to get through. Please try calling us from a different phone (e.g. at work).
My pet needs shots / medication / surgery but I can't afford the vet bills. Can you help?
While we cannot help directly with your pet's medical needs, we do provide several links to other organizations
that may be able to help you. Please check out our links section on
Low-Cost Vet Care / Financial Help with Vet Costs.
I don't live in San Diego County. Where can I find a low-cost spay/neuter service in my area?
Spay USA is a nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay/neuter. Please visit
www.spayusa.org for a referral to get your dog or cat fixed at a reduced fee.
If you are looking to get your rabbit spayed/neutered, please visit www.rabbit.org
to find your local chapter of the House Rabbit Society. They should be able to refer you to a low-cost spay/neuter
service, if there is one in your area.
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