Terre Haute on Tuesday announced a pilot program designed to make spay and neuter services more accessible to residents facing financial barriers to pet care. The effort is called “Project Fix-Em” and is by the mayor’s office and Terre Haute Animal Control Commission.

Beginning in February 2026, the city will subsidize spay/neuter surgeries for dogs in the 47804 and 47807 zip codes. These are the two areas where code enforcement receives the highest volume of animal-related calls.

Under the program:

_ Residents pay only $25 per dog;

_ The city subsidizes $75 per surgery;

_ Eligible residents must live in the zip codes 47804 and 47807;

_ Eligible residents must be on a fixed income;

_ Rabies vaccination is included in the cost;

_ Additional vaccines and services available at extra cost;

_ There is a maximum of 20 subsidized surgeries per quarter.

All procedures will be performed at the Terre Haute Humane Society’s on-site clinic by their contract veterinarians.

The city has capped the program at 20 surgeries per quarter, representing a $1,500 quarterly investment.

“This is a pilot program, and we’re approaching it thoughtfully,” said Mayor Brandon Sakbun. “We believe in data-driven success and want to start small.

“Based on the program’s outcomes over the coming months, we will evaluate whether to expand to additional zip codes, adjust the structure, or change course entirely. We’re committed to finding what works best for our community.”

Sakbun’s office said Terre Haute is fortunate to have several low-cost spay/neuter providers – including Pub Vet, which offers cat spay and neuter services through Project H.O.P.E., as well as the longstanding Spay-Neuter League of Terre Haute.

This new initiative specifically targets residents for whom even reduced-cost services remain financially out of reach.

“We’re not replacing existing services; we’re filling a gap,” said Sakbun. “For families on fixed incomes, even a $60 procedure can mean choosing between pet care and other necessities. At $25, we’re removing that barrier.”

Local animal welfare organizations, including the Terre Haute Humane Society and numerous rescue groups, work tirelessly to care for homeless animals. However, if unwanted litters continue to be born, these organizations cannot keep pace the city said in a news release.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents of the 47804 and 47807 zip codes should visit https://bit.ly/4rUO9V3. The first clinic is scheduled for Feb 2026.
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