Subject 40-13-14 DOG AND CAT STERILIZATION PROGRAM
Rule 40-13-14-.01 Eligibility
| (1) | The veterinarian that performs a procedure utilizing the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program must be licensed by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine and accredited by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture. |
| (2) | The veterinarian must request financial assistance in writing or by facsimile or electronic mail from the Georgia Department of Agriculture prior to performing a procedure. If funds are available, the veterinarian will receive written approval from the Department to performing each procedure. |
| (3) | The veterinarian must perform all surgical procedures using acceptable standards of care. |
| (4) | Both the animal and owner must reside in Georgia in order for the veterinarian to perform a procedure utilizing the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. |
Rule 40-13-14-.02 Distribution of Dog and Cat Sterilization Funds to Veterinarian
| (1) | Each licensed and accredited veterinarian in Georgia may apply to perform a maximum of five procedures per month. |
| (2) | The veterinarian must inform the owner or agent in writing of any additional procedures with additional charges (i.e. vaccinations, laboratory services, pain medication, etc.) prior to performing additional services. |
| (3) | The following two forms must be received by
the Georgia Department of Agriculture in order to disperse funds for
sterilization procedures.
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| (4) | Financial
assistance for sterilization procedures shall be:
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Rule 40-13-14-.03 Dog and Cat Sterilization Grant Program
| (1) | When funds are available, licensed municipal animal shelters located in Georgia, licensed nonprofit animal rescue organizations with 501(c)(3) status located in Georgia, and veterinary medical foundations with 501(c)(3) status located in Georgia may apply to the Department for a grant to assist with sterilization procedures on dogs and cats. |
| (2) | A completed application must be timely received by the Department in order for an applicant to be eligible for the grant program. Incomplete and/or untimely applications will not be considered. |
| (3) | Along with the completed grant application, the grant applicant must provide a letter of collaboration from the Georgia licensed and accredited veterinarian(s) that will be performing the sterilization procedure(s). |
| (4) | Grant applications will be assessed by a grant review committee. Funding will be awarded based on the highest priority grant proposals. The grant review committee will consider factors, including, but not limited to, the following: targeting of important animal populations, ability to increase surgery numbers, cost-benefit ratio, record of grant applicant, and sustainability. |
| (5) | All procedures shall be completed within twelve (12) months of receipt of Grant funds. |
| (6) | A Final Progress Report shall be provided to the Department showing all sterilization procedures performed within 30 days of the completion of the last sterilization procedure utilizing Grant funds. Failure to submit the required Final Progress Report in a timely manner will result in ineligibility for future Grants. |
| (7) | Grant funds shall only be used for sterilization surgery. Grant funds shall not be used for capital or administrative expenses or for procedures not directly related to sterilization surgery, such as promotions, vaccinations, testing, licensing, food, medicine, and/or other medical procedures, etc. |
| (8) | The veterinarian that performs a sterilization procedure utilizing the Dog and Cat Sterilization Grant Program funds must be licensed by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine, accredited in the USDA National Accreditation Program, and approved by the State Veterinarian office to perform duties in Georgia. |
| (9) | The veterinarian must perform all surgical sterilization procedures using acceptable standards of care as prescribed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidelines. |
| (10) | The Dog and Cat Sterilization Grant Program funds shall not be used to assist with sterilization procedures on dogs and/or cats residing outside of Georgia or for trap, neuter and release programs. |
| (11) | Grant announcements and application directions will be made available by the Department one week prior to the commencement of the Grant application period. Applications will be due as designated by the Department. |