MUNICIPAL POUND PET PROGRAM:

The Animal Population Control Program (APCP) was created by law in 1992 and implemented on May 22, 1995, to provide vaccination and sterilization benefits for any unsterilized dog or cat adopted from a municipal impound facility in Connecticut.  Program goals are to reduce pet overpopulation, reduce the spread of rabies and other diseases through immunizations and subsequently increase the effectiveness of local Animal Control Departments through education and law enforcement. The APCP has vaccinated and sterilized more than 50,000 pound pets since 1995. Most Connecticut veterinary practices participate in the program. A list of practices can be found at each municipal impound facility.

To utilize this program, a Connecticut resident must pay a $45.00 fee at the time of adoption, which entitles the adopter to a vaccination/sterilization voucher good for sixty days. The voucher provides a one-time sterilization benefit of $50.00 for a male cat, $70.00 for a female cat, $100.00 for a male dog, and $120.00 for a female dog plus two pre-surgical vaccinations coincident with the sterilization. In addition, adopters are required to pay for other services as specified by the veterinarian.  Nonresidents may adopt a pound pet and pay a $5.00 municipal fee, but are not eligible for program benefits. Pets too young or sick are granted a medical extension by the veterinarian; however, all young animals must be sterilized by six months of age.

Funding for the APCP comes from an annual surcharge on Connecticut dog licenses ($2.00 sterilized/$6.00 unsterilized), the $45.00 adoption fee, proceeds from the sale of the "Caring for Pets" commemorative license plates and donations.

FERAL CAT GRANT PROGRAM:

In fiscal year 2007, the Department first offered $40,000 in feral cat grant vouchers which provided benefits for 500 cats.  In 2008, voucher benefits were once again offered to the same number of cats.  For FY 2009 and 2010, up to 10% of APCP income will be dedicated to vaccinate and sterilize feral cats.  For more details about this program and/or to download an application, visit FY 2010 Feral Cat Grant Program. Note:  Due to the state budget crisis, FY 2010 benefits for this program have been put on hold until further notice.

LOW-INCOME PROGRAM:

For FY 2010, vaccination/sterilization voucher benefits will be provided for Low-Income CT citizens who meet the criteria for one of six programs as defined by the Department of Social Services (DSS).  Citizens who quality will need to complete a Low-Income Application and submit to the APCP.  Approved individuals will be eligible to receive vaccination/sterilization benefits for up to two (2) vouchers per household.  For FY 2010, up to 10% of APCP income will be used to fund this program.  Download a FY 2010 Low-Income Program application.  Note:  Due to the state budget crisis, FY 2010 benefits for this program have been put on hold until further notice.

COMMEMORATIVE LICENSE PLATE: {Graphic of the Animal Population Control license plate.}

On November 25, 1998, the "Caring for Pets" commemorative license plate was released to the public. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each plate is deposited into the program's dedicated account. The plate design was created and donated by Connecticut artists Mark Maglio of Plainville and Kathy Goff of Avon. Plate fees are $50 for an off the shelf plate, $70 to transfer your present plate and $135 for a new vanity plate. There will also be a $15 biennial renewal fee, with $10 from each application going to support program goals.  For more information about acquiring a pet plate, go to the DMV web site at www.dmvct.org.

Reissued plates - More than 1,000 previously issued PET, DOG, CAT, TLC and WAG series plates are now available for the vanity fee of $135. Please contact the vanity plate unit of the Department of Motor Vehicles at (860) 263-5154 for availability.

DOG LICENSE APPLICATION:

The Department of Agriculture has created a generic dog license application, which can be downloaded by clicking on the link that follows. The APCP receives 65% of its income from dog license surcharge revenue.  Please pay special attention to the correct license fee for your dog's gender and if a late fee is applicable.

NOTE: This application must be mailed to your Town Clerk. Application for Dog License  (81 KB, .pdf)

For more information about the municipal pound pet, feral cat and low-income programs, acquiring a "Caring for Pets" plate application or other related spay/neuter information, please contact the Department of Agriculture, Animal Population Control Program, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 or call 1-860-713-2507 between the hours of 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday.