Help Fix ME! Program

Maine's Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program (Help Fix ME)

The Help Fix ME program (HFM) distributes applications to qualified individuals who can’t afford to spay their dogs or cats. You may be able to participate in the HFM program if you receive or are eligible for one of the following programs:

  • Food Stamps
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Social Security Disability (SSDI)

Spay-Neuter Clinics

Contact the organizations below to learn more about their clinics.

  • Community Spay-Neuter Clinic (Topsham) by appointment
  • Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (Lewiston) August 24, 207-783-2311
  • Town of Brooks (Brooks) Augusta 22, 23, 24
  • Camp Emmett (Guilford) October Dates TBD (207) 521-4032
  • Halfway Home Pet Rescue (Caribou) November Dates TBD (Cats only), 207-999-1075

News

Companion Animal Sterilization Fund Vouchers Paid By County in 2022 (PDF)

Chapter 702 Help Fix ME Updated Rules

The final updated Chapter 702 “Help Fix ME” Rules were filed with the Secretary of State on Friday, February 24. This filing marked the completion of the Rulemaking process. The comment summary (PDF) and the final Rule document (PDF) is available.

These rules will be the basis for the Request for Proposal (RFP) and it will be up to whatever group successfully receives the contract to implement the program however they choose within the parameters of the RFP. Steps to begin the RFP process are underway and will follow state requirements. We will alert stakeholders using our newsletter when the RFP is released. 

December 20, 2022

Dear HFM Stakeholders,

The HFM program is continuing to process 2022 vouchers that were distributed prior to April. Due to the
demand for (and scarcity of) available veterinarian appointments, scheduling surgeries has been taking several
months. Recognizing these constraints, we will continue to process those existing 2022 vouchers for surgeries
completed by December 31, 2022. Surgeries performed starting January 1, 2023 will require a voucher issued in
2023. Help Fix ME Program Communication to Stakeholders on 12/20/2022 (PDF)

September 14, 2022

Concept proposal for revisions to Help Fix Me programming 9/14/22 (PDF)

April 13, 2022

Dear Animal Welfare Stakeholders,

The tremendous response to the department's Help Fix Me (HFM) vouchers and the recent update to the reimbursement rate have led to demand for HFM vouchers to nearly outpace available funding. As a result, and as of April 13, 2022, we are temporarily pausing the HFM program until funding is available to sufficiently cover voucher demand. Please follow this link to learn more (PDF).

Thank you,

Ann Gibbs,
Director Animal and Plant Health Division

October 22, 2021

Updates for Help Fix ME Participating Vets (PDF)

If you have further questions please call 1-800-367-1317.