NC S856

Expands the definition of "low-income person" from 100% to 300% of the federal poverty level, and includes individuals qualifying for Department of Health and Human Services public assistance programs under Chapter 108A.

Removes the requirement that non-profit spay/neuter clinics must contract specifically with local veterinarians, allowing them to work with any veterinarian.

Allows counties to use veterinarians or "other providers" for spay and neuter voucher programs, broadening eligible service providers beyond veterinarians alone.

Changes reimbursement distribution methodology from using rates per 1,000 persons to using the total number of eligible procedures submitted, eliminating reliance on decennial census population data.

Allows counties to provide program notice to all veterinarians providing small animal services to the public, rather than just local veterinarians.