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Calling all pet owners in Burke County, North Carolina
Our Purpose
We provide spay/neuter surgical fee assistance for pet owners who can't afford to get their animal fixed or would be financially strained by the extra cost of this surgery.
Our Partners
We partner with private practice veterinarians, low-cost clinics, and Burke County to assist pet owners. We also collaborate with local animal welfare groups and rescues.
Our Program
We promote education for clients who are served by our program. We show pet owners how spaying or neutering prevents overpopulation and euthanasia in shelters.
Our Mission: to eliminate the killing of healthy and unwanted cats, dogs, puppies and kittens. We accomplish this by providing low-cost spay/neuter surgical fee assistance through partnerships with private practice veterinarians and low-cost clinics, collaborating with other animal welfare groups, and promoting education on the humane treatment of animals.
Do you qualify for our services?
You know that it’s important to have your pet spayed or neutered but you just can’t afford to pay an extra vet bill. We may be able to help if you are a Burke County resident. If you call us at 828-403-3675 to start the process, one of our volunteers will contact you with more details.
Note: Please have your household annual income available when you call; this information helps us determine if you qualify and your level of eligibility.
Got questions about spaying or neutering?
You might have questions about spaying or neutering that you would like to be answered before you make a final decision about your pet.
Questions such as:
- What is spaying or neutering?
- How old should my pet be before either procedure?
- Should my female have a litter before being spayed?
- How young can a female get pregnant?
- Will a neutered male cat stop spraying?
- How many kittens or puppies can be born to one mother yearly?
- Are there health benefits to spaying or neutering?
Who We Are
REASON volunteers are ordinary folks with different jobs, backgrounds, interests, and hobbies. They volunteer to help Burke County reduce or eliminate the number of healthy, adoptable pets who are euthanized due to lack of adoptive homes or space at the shelter. All volunteers have at least one important thing in common: they are bonded by their love for animals.
The gallery displays some of our volunteers with their pets.
We would love to have more volunteers to
- work from their homes answering calls from clients
- meet potential clients to sign the forms and pay their copay
- schedule the surgery with one of the vets and notify the client
What We Do
The number of healthy dogs and cats that have been euthanized in Burke County through the years is mind-numbing! In 2011, Burke County Animal Control received 5,654 dogs and cats; 4,354 were euthanized! The following year was even worse.
A group of county residents wanted to stop this needless killing. As a result, they founded REASON as a nonprofit in May 2012. Their goal was to see Burke County become a NO KILL county by preventing overpopulation and unwanted litters.
In 2023, Burke County Animal Services received 1,941 dogs and cats; 446 were euthanized. The number of dogs and cats being adopted and rehomed is better than the early years, but we can do better!
How are we doing?
It Takes a Community
It takes the whole community for Burke County to become NO KILL. Pet owners to make sure that their own pets are spayed or neutered with a safe home environment. Veterinarians to offer their services. Rescues to provide support and homes for unwanted, abandoned, and unloved animals. Groups to offer locations for adoption/foster events and educational presentations. REASON to provide assistance to loving owners who are not able to afford to spay or neuter their pets.
Local Shelter
Would you like to foster or adopt a pet? Report an abandoned or stray animal locally?
Local Rescues
Do you want to learn more about the local rescue groups and services they can provide?
Local Groups
Could your group offer a few volunteers for spay/neuter sign-up events? Contact us.
How You Can Help
Do you want to help make Burke County a NO KILL county? If so, there are many ways that you can help.
- Make sure that your own pets are spayed or neutered.
- Volunteer your time to help REASON.
- Donate so that we can help more clients.
Volunteer
We need volunteers in all areas. Many of the tasks can even be done in the comfort of your own home. Do you have time to help?
Donate
Do you like to shop? Did you know that you can donate to REASON simply by shopping online at Amazon or at other stores?
Client Testimonials
View some of our satisfied clients!
Are you ready to call us?
Non-Discrimination Policy
REASON does not discriminate in regards to employees, volunteers or clients based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.