What is the 500 plus program for dogs and cats?
The 500 Plus for Dogs and Cats program is a local government initiative that aims to help pet owners by co-financing veterinary treatments. The main idea of the program is to reduce the number of abandoned animals and reduce the number of dogs and cats that end up in shelters. Thanks to the support, pet owners can benefit from financial assistance to cover the costs of treatments such as spaying, neutering or microchipping.
Although the name of the programme suggests a value of PLN 500, please note that this is a contractual amount. In fact, the amount of funding may vary depending on local regulations and range from PLN 70 to PLN 500. The programme may include full or partial coverage of the costs of veterinary procedures, which is an important support in the face of rising costs for veterinary services.
500 plus program for dogs and cats. How and where to submit applications?
The 500 plus program for dogs and cats is implemented at local level by individual local governments. To find out whether this program can be used in your municipality, it is worth contacting your local town hall or commune, or checking the information in the Public Information Bulletin (BIP).
Applications can be submitted in person or electronically, depending on the provisions of a particular municipality. Due to the high level of interest, the funds allocated for this purpose may be exhausted quickly. In order to benefit from the 500 plus programme for dogs and cats, certain conditions must be met. You must:
- document the place of residence in the commune implementing the program (for example, by presenting the “Warsaw Citizen Card” in the case of Warsaw);
- present an identity document and a document proving the right to the animal (for example, health booklet or dog/cat passport);
- complete and submit the application in two copies;
- the animal is 6 months old (may vary depending on the municipality);
- electronic marking (chipping) of the animal in the case of castration or sterilization;
- current rabies vaccination for dogs.
How much can you get?
The amount of funding varies depending on the municipality. Typically, pet owners do not receive the money directly in their hands, but are required to undergo treatment at designated veterinarians. Some municipalities provide up to 100% coverage of treatment costs, but the support usually ranges from PLN 70 to PLN 500, depending on local regulations.
