FAQs About SIF

1. What is a spay or castrate? A spay surgery is performed on a female cat or dog and in surgical terms is called an ovariohysterectomy, that is, it is the removal of the ovaries and uterus so a female cannot become pregnant. A castration is performed on a male dog or cat. It is the removal of the male's testicles to ensure that the male cannot cause a female to become pregnant.
2. Are there other terms for spay and castrate? Sterilise, fix, neuter, desex, or alter.
3. When will I know if my application has been successful? The short answer: on the last day of the month. The long answer: applications are accepted from the 25th of the current month to the 25th of the next month (for example: 25 January 2021 to 25 February 2021). After this period the applications will be reviewed and successful applicants will be contacted on the last day of month after the application window has closed (e.g., if you applied between 25th of January and 25th of February, you would be notified of your application status on 28th of February).
4. If I am successful, when will I receive my sterilisation voucher? Being an entirely volunteer run program, it can take up to 6 weeks from being accepted to receive your voucher. 
5. What does being WAITLISTED mean?Being waitlisted means that you will be reconsidered in the months after your application once we have a partnered veterinary hospital near, or local, to you that you can attend. We flag applications by area and we'll be in touch as soon as we can.

   Authorisation period: 30-45 days.

6. How much does it cost? To be able to assist all the families that need our program's help we do ask for a contribution to your pet's surgery. What that is depends on your pet and the funding we have available. In some cases, if your financial need is extreme then we can offer free desexing and microchipping. Note: Additional procedures and products will cost extra but may be offered at a substantial discount to successful Spay It Forward applicants. Please ask your SIF representative for more information.
7. Do I have to pay SIF and pay the vet? NO you will never have to pay the vet.
8. How many cats/dogs can I have spayed/castrated? There's no limit, but a separate application may be required for each one. Please contact the Spay It Forward Coordinator at spay@wapetproject.com.au if this is your case.
9. Does my cat/dog have to be vaccinated first? No. Animals without vaccinations are accepted into the SIF program.
10. Can I pick the vet clinic I want to go to? Yes, we do ask for your preference of our partner vet clinics but funding and your pet's circumstance may require you to drive to another partnered vet other than the closest to you.
11. Do you make the appointment for me? There are two answers! No, if you can provide your own transport to the vet then you can book your own appointment once you receive the booking code from SIF. Yes, if you've requested transportation assistance then a SIF representative will be in touch with you.
12. Does WAPP provide transportation to the clinic? Yes, if it is requested at the time you complete the application. We do kindly ask that you ask friends and family members first for transport help before asking for volunteer assistance.
13. If I can't make the appointment. What do I do? You must give the vet clinic a minimum of 24 hours' notice to cancel or re-schedule or you may lose your funding. Please also inform your SIF representative so they are aware of the situation.
14. How long is the subsidisation valid for? The authorisation period is for 30 days.
15. What if I need more than the 30 day authorisation period? Email the SIF Program Coordinator at spay@wapetproject.com.au, and request an extension.
16. My mother cat had kittens. When can I have the mother cat fixed? Mother cats can be fixed before or after her kittens have finished weaning. Please speak to a SIF representative for further advice at spay@wapetproject.com.au.  
17. My cat/dog might be pregnant. Can she be spayed? Apply to the SIF program and then discuss this with the SIF Program Coordinator by emailing spay@wapetproject.com.au.
18. What if I don't have a computer or an email address? Find a friend or family member who does and who can assist you in submitting the application. The friend or family member will have to pass on correspondence to you from SIF.
19. If my pet is already desexed. Can I apply to the SIF program for a free microchip? Yes; however, you may be referred to a separate microchipping program in Perth. Please email spay@wapetproject.com.au for more information.
20. How long does this program run for? This is an ongoing program. The SIF program depends on the generosity of the WA community to continue, so please visit the following link if you'd like to donate: www.givenow.com.au/wappsif
21. What concession cards do you accept? All of them! Check out the card types at ªhttps://concessions.communities.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
22. What animals will the SIF program desex? At the moment, only cats/kittens and puppies/dogs will be considered. We'd love to help other animals with additional financial support in the future.

For more information on how to apply for our SIF program, please visit our Spay It Forward page.