The Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health, in partnership with the Spay and Neuter Island Pets (SNIP) Clinic, has launched the SNIP Tag/Tip Program, a new community-based initiative aimed at tackling the island’s stray dog and cat population through accessible sterilization services. The program was announced Monday and is described as a “groundbreaking initiative” to promote long-term animal population control.
The program targets “community animals”—dogs and cats that are cared for by multiple households but are not officially owned. These animals often contribute to unwanted litters and the growing stray population across Guam. Through the SNIP Tag/Tip Program, residents can schedule appointments to bring in community dogs and cats for a full-service package that includes spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and visual identification via an ear tag or ear tip. Services are offered on a donation basis, with contributions of $50 to $100 encouraged to help sustain the effort.
According to the Guam Dog and Cat Population Survey 2025, conducted in partnership with Humane World for Animals, the island has an estimated 8,300 free-roaming dogs and a significant number of unsterilized cats. The report emphasized the need for targeted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs to reduce stray populations humanely. The SNIP Tag/Tip Program is being implemented in response to those findings, with future plans to create a lending program for traps and cages to aid in safe animal handling.
“Guam’s animal overpopulation crisis cannot be solved without addressing the thousands of community animals that live between ownership and abandonment,” said Territorial Veterinarian Dr. Mariana Turner. “The SNIP Tag/Tip Program is a compassionate, practical solution that gives these animals a chance at healthier lives while reducing the cycle of unwanted puppies and kittens.” For more information or to schedule appointments, residents can visit snipclinicguam.com or call 671-988-8421.
