In an effort to control animal overpopulation, the Freeborn County Humane Society is launching its fifth year of its spay/neuter program to help low-income residents of the county who cannot otherwise afford to alter their pets.

Michelle Boettcher, program coordinator, said the Humane Society has received grant money from nonprofit Pet Haven Inc. of Minnesota, which is headquartered in the Twin Cities.

The primary focus of the grant is for cats or large dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds when fully grown. Exceptions for dogs that do not fit the size criteria may be made on a limited basis if there are funds left after the surgeries of the pets who fulfill requirements, Boettcher said.

In addition to providing the spay or neuter surgery, the Humane Society will provide vaccinations for participating pets and heartworm testing for dogs in need.

“We’re at a crisis point for animal overpopulation,” Boettcher said. “Our shelter that we have — even when we have the addition — we’re still not going to have enough room for the puppies and kittens that are born.”

To apply for the grant money, people should contact the Humane Society by phone at 377-8501, by e-mail at hs_of_fc@hotmail.com or by mail at HSFC S/N program, P.O. Box 423, Albert Lea, MN 56007. People need to give their first and last name and mailing address to get an application. People can also stop by the shelter in Frank Hall Park during open hours.

When turning in the application, people need to show proof of financial need, which includes either a 2010 tax return or a household income statement.

Because there may be a large number of applicants, she encouraged people to apply right away.

“It’s never too early to start and get going on this,” she said. “Breeding season is coming up real quick. We’ve even had reports of some animals in warm environments wanting to be bred already.”

In 2010, the grant money was able to spay or neuter 22 animals locally. This year, the Humane Society is receiving an additional $400 on top of what it received last year. Boettcher said she hopes this will cover an additional four or five animals.

Eighty percent of the animals to benefit from the program must be cats or large dogs.

She noted that if the Humane Society can spay several female cats or dogs before March 1, the Humane Society will be entered into a drawing for an additional $500 grant.

Boettcher said since she is the only person working on the program, it may take a few weeks before your application can be reviewed. She advised people not to call and check on the status of their applications unless it has been more than three weeks since they were mailed.

She will contact applicants when approved.

She said the funds will be used through the end of July, or until they run out.

For questions, people can contact Boettcher at 507-396-3659.