For the past three years, one local woman has brought a program to Albert Lea that offers reduced-priced spaying and neutering.

The Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program, which has come about six times each year, also offers tasks such as rabies shots and microchipping.

“There’s just such a huge need,” said organizer Tolli Gossett about the program. “Our clinics are always full for dogs two months in advance.”

Gossett, who is retired and looking to travel with her husband, said she is hopeful someone will step up and continue organizing the program visits to Albert Lea, as she will no longer be available.

“We feel it’s a great service that Albert Lea really needs,” she said. “I hope sincerely that someone will be as passionate as I am and will fill the spot.”

Gossett organized the nonprofit’s visits to Albert Lea, distributed fliers and provided meals for the workers. Gossett and other volunteers also clean, sterilize and wrap supply packs for surgery and help keep track of the animals that come in.

The clinics were first held at the Albert Lea National Guard Armory and have since moved to Ranch & Pet Supply.

“Since we’ve been here three years now, word has spread,” Gossett said, noting that veterinarians have been receptive to the idea.

Earlier this month at a clinic, 40 animals were spayed or neutered. Each clinic averages about 30 to 40 animals, many from the Albert Lea area. Some people from surrounding cities such as Faribault and Owatonna also attend with their animals.

Pet owners must have proof of an income less than $40,000, Gossett said. Proof can include items such as food stamps, Medicaid, free or reduced lunch, MinnesotaCare, medical assistance or Social Security disability forms.

Cats can be spayed or neutered for $50, and dogs less than 50 pounds cost $60.

MNSNAP is grant and donations based. It has two stationary clinics and one mobile unit, she said. Grants go to subsidize supplies and pay for physicians.

People interested in organizing the program’s visits can contact Gossett at 507-377-8914. Information about MNSNAP can be found at mnsnap.org.