OH HB148

Creates a new "companion animal fund" in the state treasury to help low-income individuals pay for spaying and neutering their dogs and cats

Allows Ohio taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax refund as a voluntary contribution to the companion animal fund when filing their state return

Eligibility for subsidized sterilization services includes pet owners whose family income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, or who receive government assistance such as Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8 housing, SSI, or WIC

Pet owners who adopt from licensed animal shelters, municipal pounds, or nonprofit adoption services also qualify for subsidized sterilization

The Ohio Pet Fund, a nonprofit organization, will administer the program by establishing eligibility criteria, disbursing funds to eligible organizations, and reporting to the General Assembly on the program's effectiveness every odd-numbered year