COEUR d'ALENE - Animal Allies of Idaho used a $13,000 grant to sterilize 195 cats and dogs at its low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Coeur d'Alene.

Animal Allies received the grant from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in August of 2014. According to a press release from the organization, the St. Vincent de Paul HELP Center in Coeur d'Alene made certificates available - paid for with 80 percent of the grant funds - for its pet-owning clients to have those pets spayed or neutered.

The Post Falls Animal Shelter also received a portion of the funds and used them to sterilize its adoptable dogs.

"The partnership with St. Vincent has been so valuable in reaching the cats and dogs most at risk of becoming homeless or creating future homeless pets, that we are now using donations from our supporters and seeking new donations to continue to help their clients," Ronnee McGee, Animal Allies president and volunteer executive director, said in the release. "We are so grateful to ASPCA for funding this initial program, and for the momentum it gave us to provide this essential service to pet owners year-round."

Animal Allies is located at 1902 E. Sherman Ave., and is open by appointment on Sunday and Tuesday. For more information, visit www.animalalliesid.org or call (208) 930-0065.