AWS/Cleo Fund

Founded in Portland in 1971, the Cleo Fund was the first organization in Maine to recognize the importance of spaying and neutering pets. What started as a fundraising effort to help spay Cleo, a stray dog that had recently given birth to 10 puppies, turned into a non-profit organization dedicated to helping income-qualified individuals afford spay/neuter surgeries for their pets. In 2012, the Cleo Fund selected the Animal Welfare Society to carry on its mission. The merger created the largest spay/neuter organization in Maine, allowing the Cleo Fund to expand its reach statewide and continue helping Maine pet owners afford spay/neuter surgeries for their pets.

Under AWS, the Cleo Fund established a voucher program where a limited number of vouchers are available to residents of Maine, redeemable at participating veterinary practices statewide. Cumberland and York residents are encouraged to call the AWS Community Veterinary Clinic, a low-cost clinic, at (207) 292-2424 to schedule a spay/neuter appointment. Residents of all other counties should call (207) 985-3244 ext. 126 for information on the Cleo Fund, if there is a participating vet in their area and how to apply for a voucher.

The Cleo Fund coordinates spay/neuter clinics throughout the state. The high impact model successfully alters 90 animals over the course of three days. The frequency and locations of the clinics are based on grant funding and veterinarian availability.