A nonprofit organization that travels around the state offering low-cost, high-quality spay and neuter surgeries will be in Albert Lea next week to offer services to the Freeborn County Humane Society and other low-income pet owners.

Freeborn County Humane Society Vice President Tolli Gossett said a licensed veterinarian and a group of technicians with the Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program will be coming to the Albert Lea National Guard Armory on Tuesday in what she described as a veterinary clinic on wheels.

“This is the very first time we’ve hosted them, so I’m really, really excited,” Gossett said.

There will be time for surgeries for 30 or 40 dogs or cats. Though all spots for dogs are taken, there are about a dozen spots remaining for cats, she said.

To qualify for services, the pet owner must show proof of participation in one of the following needs-based public assistance programs: food stamps, Medicaid, free or reduced lunch, Social Security disability, Minnesota Care or medical assistance, the Women, Infants and Children program, Section 8 housing, supplemental security income, major VA disability, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

The pet owner can also show proof of unemployment or can bring in his or her most recent income tax return showing income of less than $40,000 per household.

To register an animal for surgery, residents should either call the organization at 612-720-8236 or register online at www.mn.snap.org.

On Tuesday, people will bring their animal to the armory at the time of their appointment and then stay with it until it goes in for surgery. Then they can leave and come back as soon as the animal is awake and active.

Dogs need to be brought on a leash, and the owner needs to provide a crate. Cats do not need to be brought on a leash, but a crate does need to be provided, Gossett said. All animals need to have some kind of an ID collar on.

Animals must be at least eight weeks old, and kittens must be at least 2 pounds.

Cost is $40 for male cats, $50 for female cats, $60 for dogs up to 50 pounds and $70 for dogs over 50 pounds.

The group is also offering vaccinations for $10, as well as microchipping.

Gossett said ultimately it is the goal of the Humane Society to invite the group to the area twice a year.

She noted she hopes it helps with the area’s animal overpopulation problem.

It will also help the Humane Society lower its costs for spaying and neutering and free up some of this money that can be used in other areas.

For questions or to find out how people can help the Humane Society, people can call 377-8501. The shelter is at 101 James Ave.