HART Receives “Dutch’s Gift” Grant for Dog Spay/Neuters

Meagan Till, General Manager of Dutch’s at Silver Tree, and the Gideon family, owners of Dutch’s Restaurants, announced today that the restaurant will award a $10,000 grant to HART for Animals to encourage dog owners to spay/neuter their pets. The program, called “Dutch’s Gift,” will provide free surgeries, rabies vaccines (if needed), and pain medications to dogs of owners who qualify, regardless of residency. “Dutch’s Gift” helps pet owners who do not qualify for HART’s low-cost and no-cost programs because their annual income exceeds the WIC guidelines by a maximum of $10,000 a year.

“Dutch’s Gift” surgeries will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis on the first Monday of each month beginning in August. Proof of income is required for all dogs, with the exception of Stafford Terriers, Pitbulls and Pitbull Mixes (these breeds are eligible but do not require any income qualifications under this program). The program does not cover any other medications or procedures, such as dogs in heat, pregnancy, blood work for dogs aged seven or older, or any other special circumstances.

“Dutch’s Gift” does not apply to persons who qualify for HART’s no-cost “Lifesaver” program or low-cost “HARTHelp.”  “Dutch’s Gift” will continue until the grant funds are depleted. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 301.387.7729.

HART for Animals, Inc. is a charitable animal welfare organization founded in 2003 to improve the condition of homeless animals in the Western Maryland region. HART is a 501 (c) (3) corporation and all donations are tax-deductible. For additional information on HART, the HART Animal Center, or any of its programs, or to donate, visit the HART web site at www.hartforanimals.org. This organization is an equal opportunity provider. This project was conducted in cooperation with USDA Rural Development.

Meagan Till, GM of Dutch's at Silver Tree, with her rescue, China.