How to Use the New State Voucher Program
There is some good news for Connecticut families struggling with veterinary costs: the Connecticut Department of Agriculture has opened applications for free spay/neuter services and vaccines for low-income pet owners through the Animal Population Control Program (APCP). (CT Insider)
If you live in Connecticut, receive certain state benefits, and share your home with cats or dogs, you may qualify for vouchers that cover most or all of the cost of sterilizing and vaccinating your pets.
This program is real, it’s live, and it’s one of the most important tools we have to reduce pet overpopulation and keep animals out of shelters.
What Is the Animal Population Control Program?
The Animal Population Control Program (APCP) is a long-running state program run by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. It was created in 1995 to:
- Reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats
- Increase vaccination rates and reduce the spread of diseases like rabies
- Ease the strain on municipal shelters and rescue organizations (CT Insider)
Since it began, APCP has helped more than 250,000 animals across the state. (CT Insider)
The newest phase of the program focuses on low-income pet owners and uses an online portal – apcp.ct.gov – where you apply and track your vouchers. (apcp.ct.gov)
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Low-Income Voucher Program, you must:
- Live in Connecticut, and
- Receive benefits from at least one of these state Department of Social Services programs: (CT Insider)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Husky A, C, or D (Medicaid)
- SAGA (State Administered General Assistance)
- Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
- State Supplement
Each approved household can receive vouchers for up to two pets, and the program is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. (Connecticut Portal)
What Does the Voucher Cover?
Once you’re approved, you’ll receive vouchers electronically that are:
- Valid for 60 days from the date they are issued (CT Insider)
- Good for up to two pets per household (Connecticut Portal)
Each voucher covers:
- Two vaccinations, and
- A one-time sterilization benefit of: (Connecticut Portal)
- $200 for a female dog
- $180 for a male dog
- $120 for a female cat
- $80 for a male cat
Surgeries and vaccines must be done by a Connecticut-licensed veterinarian who participates in APCP. If the clinic’s usual spay/neuter fee is higher than the voucher amount, you will pay the difference, along with the cost of any additional procedures (such as blood work, pain medication, or microchipping). (Connecticut Portal)
Why This Matters for Connecticut’s Pets (and Shelters)
We talk a lot about overcrowded shelters, puppy mill pipelines, and pet stores selling animals while local dogs and cats are being euthanized.
Spaying/neutering is one of the most effective ways to:
- Prevent accidental litters that end up at shelters or on Craigslist
- Reduce the number of animals entering an already overloaded system
- Decrease the burden on low-income families who love their pets but struggle with medical costs
- Protect public health by increasing vaccination coverage across the state (CT Insider)
Programs like APCP are a direct, practical solution: the state steps in to help families who are doing their best, and in return, fewer animals end up abandoned, surrendered, or funneled through the same broken systems we’re fighting to change.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
You must apply online; paper applications are no longer accepted. (apcp.ct.gov)
- Go to: apcp.ct.gov
- Create or log in with a CT.gov account.
- If you already use CT.gov for another service, you can log in with the same email. (apcp.ct.gov)
- Once you’re logged in, look for the option for Low-Income Application / APCP Low-Income Vouchers. (apcp.ct.gov)
- Fill out the online form with:
- Your contact information
- Proof that you received one of the qualifying benefits
- Information about your pets (species, sex, approximate age, etc.)
- Apply and keep an eye on your email.
- The Department of Agriculture notes that processing can take several weeks, and you’ll be notified by email whether you’re approved. (Connecticut Portal)
- Once approved, download or print your vouchers.
- Choose a participating veterinarian.
- APCP provides a list of participating practices across the state on the program page. (Connecticut Portal)
- Schedule your appointment quickly.
- Please note that the voucher expires 60 days after it is issued. (Connecticut Portal)
Important Details & Frequently Asked Questions
What if my vet charges more than the voucher amount?
You pay the difference between the clinic’s standard fee and the voucher value, plus any optional extras. (Connecticut Portal)
What if my pet is too young or sick?
A participating veterinarian can grant a medical extension if your pet is not healthy enough or old enough for surgery at this time. (Connecticut Portal)
Can I use the voucher at any vet?
No. You must use a participating CT-licensed veterinarian enrolled in the Animal Population Control Program. The list is on the APCP website. (Connecticut Portal)
How long will this program be open?
Funding is limited. The state and partner organizations are encouraging people to apply as soon as possible; once the funds are exhausted, no new vouchers will be issued until the next funding cycle. (CT Insider)
How You Can Help (Even If You Don’t Qualify)
- Share this information with friends, neighbors, clients, and local community groups.
- If you run or volunteer with a rescue, TNR group, or shelter, consider posting about it on your social media and sending it to your email list.
- Encourage people to spay/neuter before spring, when kitten and puppy season hits shelters the hardest.
- If you’re in a position to donate, consider giving to local rescues or to organizations that help guardians cover extra costs beyond the voucher.
The more we use programs like APCP, the fewer animals will end up in crisis later.