The Spay/Neuter Hotline of Maricopa County, Arizona is an all volunteer group that provides county-wide referrals for free and low-cost spay/neuter surgery. Formed in 1991, it's one of five spay/neuter programs operating under the auspices of the Animal Defense League of Arizona (ADLA).

The Hotline has recently taken on a new task: linking Maddie's Spay/Neuter Project in Maricopa County to low-income pet owners.

"We've taken it upon ourselves to make sure Maddie's Spay/Neuter Project reaches its first year goal of 3,000 surgeries," says Stephanie Nichols-Young, ADLA Board President. To that end, Hotline volunteers are working with social services providers to distribute AZVMA flyers to Medicaid recipients. They're setting up tables at events to make direct referrals and posting information about participating veterinarians on the Hotline website and phone message system. "Getting the word out about spay/neuter -- this is what we do," continues Young. "We know how to work the system and we know how to work with the media. We also know how to work with veterinarians. We can do this. This is the perfect niche for us to fill."

"We very much appreciate the enthusiastic participation of the Spay/Neuter Hotline," says AZVMA Executive Director, Emily Kane. "Their valuable resources and contacts are helping the program get the visibility it needs."

Adds Erin Lopez, President of the Maricopa County Alliance for Companion Animals, "The Spay/Neuter Hotline is making all the difference."