Regenia Wells, director of the Tifton-Tift County Animal Shelter, holds a Terrier mix puppy named Freckles.

The Tifton-Tift County Animal Shelter would like to inform pet owners that as of Sept. 1, each veterinarian may be approved for up to three discounted procedures each month, according to a notice from the Georgia Department of Agriculture Dog and Cat Sterilization Program.

Director Regenia Wells advised that there are three spay and neuter programs — Spay of Georgia, Friends of the Humane Society and Save Our Pets. She said for the state of Georgia, there are now 30 forms per month for the Spay of Georgia program, 10 per month for Friends of the Humane Society and 10 per month for Save Our Pets. Only one pet per household is accepted.

Wells said only Tifton/Tift County residents pay $10 to the staff assistant at the local animal shelter, fill out an application for approval and then an appointment is made at a local vet. Once the animal is taken to the vet, owners pay $20 plus shots.

Tifton has two vet offices, Quailwood Animal Hospital and Branch’s Veterinary Clinic, with five veterinarians in each office.

Wells advised that revenue from the sale and renewal of the spay/neuter license plates goes back into the spay and neuter program.

“People need to take advantage of this,” Wells said. “Pets are better pets when they are spayed and neutered.”

To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.