ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - There are stray cats and dogs across Roanoke, but it's no worse than it is in the 24016 and 24017 zip codes.
"Whether that was free roaming cats, stray dogs or people relinquishing animals just because they couldn't take care of them," said Corrie Prater, Mountain View Humane.
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The zip codes which cover I-581 to Shenandoah Avenue and Old Southwest are responsible for an estimated 1/3 of all animals that come in the shelter, according to the city.
The reasons, Prater explains, first there's the cost.
"A lot of people really want to do the right thing by fixing their pets. They just can't afford it."
A standard spay can cost $100. If you factor in vaccines, additional fees and pets, the cost goes up. MVH is using money from a $84,000 PetSmart Charities grant combined with an another $16,000 chipped in by the city to give people in the two areas the $5 fixes. $5 covers everything.
"That's for a dog or cat male or female it doesn't matter," Prater said. "$5 covers the surgery, their pain medicine, their overnight stay. We really want to get the word out to people need to get their pets fixed."
Prater says transportation can also keep pet owners from getting their animals fixed.
"A lot of people in the zip codes are not able to bring their pets in. Either they don't have transportation or their transportation isn't pet friendly."
MVH says it will go to them. Plans are in the works to send the MVH transport vehicle out once a month to pick up pets at their door. They'll be returned the next morning after recovery.
Residents living in 24016 and 24017 can call 540-562-8440 to make an appointment for one of the "$5 fixes."
MVH is also offering financial aid for people living outside of the targeted zip codes who need help covering the cost of a spay or neuter.