(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) will begin accepting applications for the Animal Population Control Program’s (APCP) Low-Income Program on Monday, November 17, 2025. The online portal, apcp.ct.gov, will open at 9:00 a.m., allowing eligible Connecticut residents to apply for assistance with spaying or neutering a dog or cat they own. All applications must be submitted online.
“Every pet deserves a safe, healthy life and this program provides owners with the resources to make that possible,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Through this program we are able to empower pet owners, protect animals, and ease the strain on our shelters. It’s a small step that makes a big difference across Connecticut.”
Residents who meet the program’s income eligibility guidelines can apply quickly and easily online. To be eligible for the low-income program, pet owners must reside in Connecticut and receive benefits from one of five programs through Department of Social Services at the time of application. Those programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Husky A, C, or D (Medicaid), State Administered General Assistance (SAGA), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), and/or State Supplement.
How to Apply:
- Visit apcp.ct.gov and login or register
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents
- Track your application status
- Receive an email notification containing your voucher number
- Redeem at a participating veterinary location
Upon approval, vouchers will be issued electronically for up to two (2) pets on a first-come, first-serve basis of the available funds. The voucher is valid for 60 days and provides two vaccinations and a one-time sterilization benefit of $200 for a female dog, $180 for a male dog, $120 for a female cat, and $80 for a male cat.
Sterilizations and vaccinations must be performed by a Connecticut Licensed Veterinarian participating in the Animal Population Control Program. A list of practices and facilities with participating licensed veterinarians can be found on the APCP program page. If the veterinarians spay/neuter fee exceeds the voucher amount, the eligible pet owner is responsible for the difference. Payment for any additional procedures and/or medications is the responsibility of the pet owner.
Tutorial guides and FAQs have been developed and posted to apcp.ct.gov to support users. Questions about the Fiscal Year 2026 Animal Population Control Program can be directed to agr.apcp@ct.gov or by calling 860-713-2507.
Established in 1995, the Animal Population Control Program aims to reduce pet overpopulation and reduce the spread of rabies and other diseases through immunization. It is funded by an annual surcharge on Connecticut dog licenses, adoption fees, and proceeds from the sale of the “Caring for Pets” commemorative license plates, and donations. To date, the program has benefited over 250,000 animals across Connecticut.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) mission is to foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting, and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the state's economy. For more information, visit www.CTGrown.gov.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Rebecca Eddy, Rebecca.Eddy@ct.gov
860-573-0323
