NEWPORT-As part of the Remote Area Medical (RAM) event, some Cocke County residents will be eligible to have free spaying and neutering of their pets.

Families who receive Medicaid, food stamps, SS/SSI (Supplemental Security Income), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and/or unemployment compensation are welcome to submit an application for such services by July 3, 2009, because space will be limited.

"You will also be required to submit a copy of benefits or a copy of your 2008 W2 form or the front page of your 1040 tax return," said Dr. Carol Hood, Newport Animal Shelter Director, "with your application. It cannot be processed without it."

Applications are available at the Newport Animal Shelter, 420 Humane Way, Newport.

"If your application is approved, you will be contacted by a Newport Animal Shelter volunteer to schedule your pet for surgical sterilization for either Saturday, July 18, or Sunday, July 19," she added. "At the time of the service, you will be required to show a photo ID with a Cocke County address and sign a waiver of liability."

Hood also said that all pets must be either leased or in carriers.

"Space will be limited," Hood pointed out, "and if you are more than 20 minutes late, your space may be filled by the next applicant on a waiting list and you will be asked to reapply."

Hood asked that everyone be patient. "There will be many people with their pets on the day of surgery, and you may be required to wait. Please understand that we are working very hard to accommodate every patient in a timely manner and that the safety and well-being of each pet is our first priority."

RAM will be held at Cocke County High School, 216 Hedrick Drive. This program is sponsored by Remote Area Medical Foundation, Cocke County Health Council, Newport Animal Shelter, and Friends of the Animal Shelter.