DeKALB | Somewhere in the world Bob Barker is giving a big thumbs up to DeKalb.

On March 5, the organization Spay Illinois, 1007 North 1st Street, will be offering low-cost pet vaccinations and discounts for owners who wish to have their pets spayed or neutered.

Vaccines range from $15 to $30, heart worm testing is $15 and micro-chipping is $25.

State program director Kathi Daniels has been with Spay Illinois for the past year and a half. She said one of the main reasons for getting the program started was to help struggling pet owners in the wake of the declining economy.

“We do the program all around the state,” Daniels said. “The national program, Spay USA, has tried to get it in every state to make the program more available to people.”

When owners bring their pets to the location where Spay Illinois is hosting an event, the coordinators vaccinate the animals there, but they are then referred to veterinarians to handle spaying and neutering at a major discount.

“One of the reasons why we’re able to offer lower rates is because the vets have a lot of overhead,” Daniels said. “We also do a lot of fundraising.”

Stephanie Kirk, veterinarian technician at Cortland Animal Hospital, 13669 IL Route 38, stressed the importance of having a pet spayed or neutered in regards to health benefits.

“For females it cuts down on hormones and breast cancer, and for males it cuts down on prostate cancer,” Kirk said. “It also cuts down on the animal’s hyperactivity.”

Kirk went on to say that there is no age limit for when an animal can be spayed or neutered. She recommended before six months, but has seen animals who were as old as nine have the procedure done.

The event will be taking place at Paw Lickin’ Good Treats, 2581 Sycamore Road, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is available by appointment only.

For more information call 877-475-7729 or visit www.spayillinois.org.