Spay and Neuter Grant Program 2025

The New Mexico Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Grant Program was established through the passage of Senate Bill 57 (SB57) in 2020. This landmark legislation was designed to combat the overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats in New Mexico by providing funding for affordable spay and neuter services. The program is managed by the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine (NMBVM), which distributes funds collected by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture from fees imposed on non-exempt pet food manufacturers operating in the state. The Animal Sheltering Committee (ASC), elected by the NMBVM, recommends recipients for the grant funding. The ASC is comprised of five members from different counties, representing a variety of professional backgrounds, including an animal shelter director, a veterinarian, a member of the public, a representative of an animal advocacy organization, and a person trained in euthanasia protocol. The primary purpose of the grant program is to increase the number of spay and neuter procedures performed across the state and to enhance the capacity of organizations to provide these services sustainably. Funding can support a range of activities including surgeries for feral and free-roaming animals, provided local ordinances are respected. In addition to covering spay and neuter surgeries, the grant can cover certain ancillary costs, such as core vaccines—Rabies, FVRCP for cats, and DAPPV for dogs—up to $12 per vaccine. Transportation costs related to the provision of surgeries, the purchase of specific equipment up to $5,000, staffing, training, and limited marketing or educational materials (up to $500 per grant) are also eligible expenses. However, the cost of microchipping is not covered, and equipment costs exceeding $5,000 are excluded. Eligibility for the grant extends to individuals, nonprofit organizations, animal shelters, and euthanasia agencies. Funding provided to individuals or through nonprofits must serve New Mexico residents whose household income does not exceed 200% of the current federal poverty guidelines. Organizations must verify and document income eligibility. There are no residency requirements for applying organizations or for veterinarians performing the surgeries, but recipients of the services must be residents of New Mexico. Applicants must submit detailed project proposals outlining how the grant will be used, including defined target areas such as a city, county, or neighborhood. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Any unspent or unobligated funds at the end of this period must be repaid to the NMBVM. Significant changes to the project scope post-award are not permitted without ASC and NMBVM approval. Grant recipients are required to submit both mid-term and final reports detailing fund expenditures and the number and types of surgeries performed. The 2025 grant application window opened in the past and will close on July 17, 2025, at 11:59 pm Mountain Time. Changes have been made to the application and guidelines for this cycle, and applicants are advised to review them carefully even if they have applied previously. Matching funds are not required but are encouraged to maximize project impact. The program does not allow grant recipients to charge pet owners co-pays, though surcharges up to $50 for complex surgeries or additional vaccine costs are permitted. For additional information, applicants can contact Deborah Schenk, Executive Director-CFO, via email at Deborah.Schenk@bvm.nm.gov or by phone at 505-553-7021. The physical office is located at 7301 Jefferson St NE, Suite H, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Applicants are encouraged to contact the NMBVM with any questions or for clarification on the grant requirements and process.

Applicants should carefully review the updated application and guidelines for this cycle.