Tax return check-off can reduce spay and neuter cost

by Staff Aroostook Republican
17 years ago
ImageContributed photo
    Companion pets live longer and healthier lives when they have been spayed or neutered. Traveler enjoys his romps in the snow with Erica, and because he is neutered, he is content to stay near home instead of wandering around looking for canine female company. Help Fix ME assists eligible families and individuals to afford sterilization costs and in turn helps control the unwanted pet population in Maine. Please keep the program going by filling in the Companion Animal Check-off on your Maine State Income Tax Return.

By Connie Tucker
ImageSpecial to the Aroostook Republican

    In a previous column you learned about the Help Fix ME, a Maine grant program that helps low-income pet owners pay for sterilization. Those who receive or are eligible for Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Maine Care (Medicaid) can have their cat fixed for $10 or their dog fixed for $20.
    Did you know that this grant program is funded by generous taxpayers like you, and you can get an additional tax deduction when you file your 2008 tax return? Here’s what the Web site, 2006.esmarttax.com, says about the program:
    “The Companion Animal Sterilization Fund is a voluntary tax contribution whose proceeds are used to fund the Animal Welfare Program’s “Help Fix ME” Spay/Neuter Fund for low-income dog and cat owners. By contributing to this fund you will be on the front line in the fight to stop pet overpopulation in Maine. Contributions may be deductible the following year on state and federal income tax returns. Check the appropriate box or boxes to indicate the funds and amounts of your choice. If you are filing a joint return, you and your spouse may make separate party designations for political party contributions. Write in the amount of your contributions on the corresponding line.”
   The funds you contribute will be either deducted from your refund or added to your outstanding tax bill. You can contribute as little or as much as you want to. Even $1.00 can help. The fund is administered by the Department of Agriculture. For more information call 800-367-1317. Please consider this easy way to help control the pet population in Maine.
   If your pet goes missing, DO CALL US FIRST to check if it was brought in to CPR by the animal control officer or police. We get many pets that are obviously well-loved, not stray, and desperately miss their families.
   Thank you for your support through donations and volunteerism. Our shelter is located at 6 Richards Road in Caribou. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736. Our telephone number is 498-3800. Caribou Pet Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.  
   Visit our Web site, www.cariboupetrescue.org, for shelter news and photos of our adorable, adoptable pets. Remember—Neuter and Spay! It’s the ONLY way!