Article: 🐾 "500+ for dogs and cats" really exists! Find out how to get money for your pet and take care of its health for free!

Share

May 23, 2025Care

🐾 "500+ for dogs and cats" really exists! Find out how to get money for your pet and take care of its health for free!

Can your dog or cat get 500 PLN? Yes! This isn't fiction, but a real program already being used by animal owners in dozens of Polish cities. If you own a dog or cat, you now have a unique opportunity to provide them with veterinary care—without breaking the bank.

📢 What is the "500 plus for dogs and cats" program?

Unlike the well-known "500+" child benefit program, "500+ for dogs and cats" is a local government initiative . It's not a government program, but a growing number of municipalities and cities in Poland are successfully implementing it as a way to combat homelessness and improve animal welfare .

Its main assumptions are simple:

Spaying and neutering of pets (dogs and cats).
Chipping pets , which increases the chances of finding a missing pet.
Financing these services from the municipal budget , i.e. at no cost to the owner.

This is real money, flowing from city hall to your local veterinary office instead of from your wallet. You benefit from the service without spending a penny.

🎯 Program purpose: why was it created?

The number of abandoned dogs and cats is growing year by year. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, over 110,000 animals were brought to shelters in 2023 alone . The main causes? Lack of sterilization and irresponsible breeding.

That is why local governments decided to act:

"The cheapest and most effective method of reducing homelessness is spaying and neutering. Programs like '500+ for dogs and cats' are an investment in the future – fewer animals suffering, lower costs for the municipality."

explains Dr. Magdalena Kowalska, a veterinarian and animal rights activist.

It's also an opportunity for pet owners who often forgo treatments due to cost. Thanks to local government support, they can now do so responsibly and free of charge .

🧾 What treatments does the program include?

The scope of services covered by the subsidy varies depending on the municipality, but most often includes:

1. Sterilization/castration

These are basic measures to prevent uncontrolled animal reproduction.

Dog castration : commercial cost from PLN 300 to PLN 600
Sterilization of a female cat : from PLN 200 to PLN 500

2. Chipping

A chip with a unique identification number placed under the skin allows you to quickly find your pet if it goes missing.

Market cost: PLN 70–150

3. Vaccinations (in some municipalities)

Some units also offer free rabies vaccinations , especially for dogs.

🐕 Who is the program for?

To use the program, you must:

Be a resident of a municipality or city participating in the program.
Have a pet (dog or cat) over 6 months of age.
The animal must be healthy and ready for surgery under general anesthesia.
For dogs, vaccination against rabies is required.

In some cases, municipalities require:

presenting a certificate of registration ,
settling PIT in a given commune ,
proof of ownership of the animal.

📍 In which cities does the program operate?

The number of local governments offering the 500+ program for pets is growing year by year. Below is a list of sample locations:

City / Municipality	Scope of the program	Link to the page
Warsaw	Sterilization, castration, microchipping	warszawa.pl
Poznan	Sterilization and castration	poznan.pl – free spaying and neutering
Wroclaw	Full service package	bip.um.wroc.pl – information about the program
Lublin	Sterilization and chipping	lublin.eu – sterilization and castration program
Piaseczno	Up to PLN 500 for owner animals	piaseczno.eu – free sterilization and castration
Białystok	Sterilization and castration procedures	bialystok.pl – castration and sterilization program

🔍 If you don't see your town on the list, check the municipal office website or contact the environmental protection department by phone.

📝 How to apply?

The process of applying for funding for treatments under the "500 Plus for Dogs and Cats" program is simple and straightforward. While it may vary by municipality, below is a universal outline to help you through the process step by step.

🟢 Step 1: Check if the program works in your municipality

Visit the website of the city or municipality where you are registered and check the sections on animal protection, ecology, or social programs. You can also:

call the environmental protection department,
ask at the nearest shelter,
check the news on the city's Facebook or BIP.

If the program is not being implemented, it is worth reporting its need to the office.

🟢 Step 2: Download and fill out the form

Once it is confirmed that the municipality is participating in the program:

Download the application form from the website or collect it at the office.
Complete the owner's details (name, surname, address, PESEL number) and the animal's details (name, species, age, gender, vaccination number).
Accept the required consents (GDPR, data processing, declaration of ownership).

Some offices allow you to submit your application electronically via ePUAP or email .

🟢 Step 3: Wait for approval and choose a clinic

After submitting your application:

The municipal or city office can send confirmation of its acceptance and a list of partner veterinary offices.
In some municipalities, you don't have to wait - just go directly to the chosen office with a document confirming your participation in the program.

🟢 Step 4: Make an appointment and perform the treatment

After positive verification:

Contact the office and schedule your treatment.
The procedure will be performed free of charge because the costs are covered by the office.
If necessary, you can receive documentation or a certificate after the service has been performed.

That's all – a simple and free way to take care of your pet's health!

Once your application is approved (or signed directly at the office), you can schedule an appointment immediately.

🗓️ When are applications accepted?

Application deadlines for the "500 Plus for Dogs and Cats" program are set individually by each local government unit. In practice, however, most cities and municipalities follow a similar schedule, which is worth knowing so you don't miss out.

🟢 Program start: usually in spring

The most common recruitment start date is March or April , when local budgets are already approved and information campaigns are in full swing.
In many municipalities, information appears a few days before the official start, so it is worth following the websites of offices and local media.

🟡 Recruitment duration

In larger cities, such as Warsaw, Poznań or Wrocław , recruitment lasts until late autumn – usually until the end of November .
In smaller towns, funds may run out much earlier, even within a few weeks.

🔴 End of program

The program ends when the budget allocated for a given year is exhausted .
The rule is usually: first come, first served – so it is important to submit your application as early as possible.

📌 Tip

Some municipalities allow you to sign up for a newsletter or receive SMS notifications about the start of the recruitment process – it is worth using this option to avoid missing the deadline.

Regardless of where you live, following local Public Information Bulletin (BIP) websites, municipal Facebook profiles and official news gives you the best chance of taking effective and quick action.

💬 Pet Owner Opinions

"Thanks to the program, I managed to spay both of my cats. Without it, I probably would have put it off because of the high costs. I'm glad that initiatives like this are finally being launched," said Anna, owner of two cats from Piaseczno.

🐾 Why is it worth it?

If you're still hesitant, here are 6 key reasons to take advantage of the "500 Plus for Dogs and Cats" program. It's not only a chance for free treatments, but also a real impact on the well-being of animals and the community around us.

1. 🩺 Pet Health

Spaying and neutering aren't just about population control. They're also about health protection – the procedures reduce the risk of serious cancers (e.g., testicular, ovarian, uterine), reproductive organ infections, and eliminate the risk of aggressive and territorial behavior.

2. 💸 Savings

Veterinary procedures, especially spaying, neutering, and microchipping, can cost up to 600–800 PLN . With this program , you save money without compromising your pet's health . It's an investment that truly pays off.

3. 🧩 Fewer homeless animals

Every year, thousands of unwanted dogs and cats end up in shelters or wander the streets. This program helps prevent this from happening. Your support helps reduce the suffering and overcrowding of shelters .

4. 🐕 Microchipping is safety

A lost dog with a chip can return home within hours. Without one, it often ends up in a shelter or left unattended. A chip is a simple and effective way to ensure your pet's safety for years to come .

5. 🧠 Increased awareness

By using the program, you become an example to others – family, neighbors, and children. You educate your loved ones, showing them that caring for a pet is not only a pleasure but also a responsibility.

6. 🌍 Common good

The program isn't just about individual benefits. It benefits the entire local community – fewer abandoned animals, lower costs for the municipality, and greater safety for residents. Your choice matters – both socially and ecologically. You teach children and loved ones responsibility and empathy towards animals.

💡 What if I live in a municipality that does NOT offer the program?

You have several options:

Submit an initiative to your office. Write an email or petition – the voice of residents has power!
Reach out to local foundations. Many have their own support programs.
Look for cheaper services. Smaller clinics often offer lower prices – it's worth comparing offers.

📦 Bonus: How to prepare your pet for the procedure?

Sterilization and castration procedures are simple, but require preparation:

The animal should not eat 12 hours before the procedure.
Do not administer medications without consulting your veterinarian.
After the procedure, ensure a quiet environment and limit movement.
Monitor the wound – if you notice redness, contact the office.

🔗 Need more?

Want to take even more care of your pet? Check out our recommendations:

PETTO Takai dog steps, 3 steps, beige

PLN 199.99