COEUR d'ALENE - Animal Allies of Idaho has received a $13,000 grant from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, funds that will help reduce the number of homeless pets in the community.

The ASPCA grant includes $10,000 to subsidize low-cost spay/neuter services Animal Allies will offer when their planned clinic opens in a few months. The remaining $3,000 of the grant is designated for the purchase of an autoclave, an appliance that sterilizes surgical instruments.

"Despite the best efforts of area animal rescue organizations, there are simply not enough good homes for the growing number of cats and dogs in our community. To reduce waiting lists of people wanting to surrender pets, and animals being dumped and left to fend for themselves, pet sterilization has to be more affordable and accessible for area residents," said Ronnee McGee, Animal Allies president. "We are grateful to the ASPCA for providing this generous grant that will allow us to provide this critical service to pet owners who need assistance."

Animal Allies of Idaho is scheduled to open its new low-fee spay and neuter clinic in January at 5920 Government Way, Suite 4, Coeur d'Alene.

Initially it will operate Wednesdays and Saturdays, 48 weeks of the year. Clinic days will be added as needed.

Animal Allies of Idaho is a 501c3 public charity nonprofit with the mission of "sustaining a healthy pet population." Their only income is from service fees, grants and donations.

For more information visit AnimalAlliesID.org.