Bill S.108 proposes to amend the Dog, Cat, and Wolf-Hybrid Spaying and Neutering Program by increasing the mandatory dog licensure fee surcharge from $4.00 to $6.00, which will fund the program. Additionally, the bill transfers the rulemaking authority for this program from the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to the Department for Children and Families Office of Economic Opportunity. The bill also introduces a requirement for pet owners to provide a minimum co-payment of $50.00 per companion animal when utilizing the program.

Furthermore, the bill outlines several amendments that the Department for Children and Families Office of Economic Opportunity must make to the existing rule, including expanding the definition of companion animals to include rabbits, increasing the number of companion animals served per owner from three to five, and ensuring that veterinarians' fee schedules remain confidential. Other provisions include extending the validity of pet owner vouchers to eight weeks, ensuring timely reimbursement for veterinarians, and requiring the names of participating veterinarians to be posted on the program's website. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-3581