Denton-based nonprofit TCAP is about to hit the 1 million mark for spaying and neutering pets

A North Texas low-cost pet care provider will hit a major milestone this month. The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection is a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost vaccines, microchipping and spay and neuter services for dogs and cats. This November, TCAP is expected to provide its one millionth spay or neuter service. “A lot of families can face the choice between surrendering your pet to a shelter or paying for vet care,” said Jason Jones, marketing and brand manager for TCAP. “So, we wanted to be able provide those prices where they don’t have to make that decision and we can keep animals in homes.” TCAP has a total of eight clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Since it was established in Denton in 2002, the nonprofit has continued to provide veterinary services at a low cost. “When prices go up and things get expensive, your first thought is not pet care,” Jones said. “And that’s where we really want to make our presence known. Our prices are still $5 for rabies [vaccines], as they have been since 2002.” Jones specified that TCAP clinics provide only preventive care and do not treat sick or injured animals. Each TCAP clinic will celebrate the one million spay/neuter milestone with a party this month. The Denton clinic will host its celebration on Monday, Nov. 23, during clinic hours, from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors during this time can spin a prize wheel to receive up to $15 off their visit. “Doing 1 million spays and neuters was an unfathomable thought or goal when I first started at the company, but it’s been something we’ve been building towards every year,” said Robert Knox, director of programs at TCAP. Knox has worked with TCAP for 14 years, starting out as an intern while attending the University of North Texas. “I think it’s incredibly meaningful work to reduce animal overpopulation and therefore euthanasia in our shelters,” Knox said. Jones began working at TCAP in September 2025. He said he has learned a lot while working with TCAP. For example, Jones said that although many people believe they should wait to get their pet spayed or neutered after they go through their first heat cycle, this is actually a myth. “Once they’ve gone through that first heat cycle, their risk of things like pyometra [a type of uterine infection] or cancer are drastically increased versus if they’re spayed or neutered before their first heat cycle,” Jones said. Jones said that along with preventing unwanted litters, getting a pet spayed or neutered eliminates the possibility of testicular or mammary cancer, provides behavioral benefits and can even increase a pet’s lifespan by two to three years if the procedure is done early. Pet owners can also get their furry friends a full round of vaccines for only $25 at TCAP. Their clinics also provide flea, tick and heartworm prevention and microchip services. “You never plan on losing your pet,” Knox said. “[Microchips are] a great way to just have that assurance that that pet’s going to be returned to you quickly if they ever become separated from you.” Knox said TCAP is able to provide services at a lower price because of the high volume of clients they serve. TCAP also offers different specials each month to lower costs even more. “Because we’re able to see so many people, we have a little bit more negotiating power when it comes to the prices for whatever we acquire to provide in clinics,” Knox said. TCAP does not require appointments. Pet owners can enter a queue online when they arrive or before they head to the clinic. Jones said that some people receive pets as gifts during the holidays. But sometimes, the expenses of pet care can pile up and lead to families returning that pet to the shelter. “We can make it to where pet ownership does not break the bank,” Jones said. “Because in all honesty, you should focus on enjoying the pet, not the vet bills that come with it.” Wake Up with the DR-C: Get today's headlines in your inbox Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Wake Up with the DR-C Please enter a valid email address. Sign up Manage your lists