COLUMBIA, SC -- Lexington County residents on a tight budget are getting help from the humane society.

The shelter is offering free spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs. The free surgeries come thanks to a $10,000 grant from the ASPCA along with another grant of the same amount from the animal mission.

Lexington County residents must show proof of residency as well as vaccination records. Only two pets are allowed per household.

Richland County has had a similar program. Humane Society Executive Director Wayne Brennessel said they have seen a big decrease in animals.

"We don't want any pets to have to be brought into the shelter and euthanzed. There are tens of thousands of pets every year that go homeless. If they come into the shelter, not all of them can be adopted. If we can reduce the number of pets coming into the shelter through spay and neuter, then hopefully we can have an impact."

For residents outside of Lexington County, the shelter is offering $10 off the regular prices for dogs and $5 for off for cats.

Residents living in the following zip codes are eligible for the free pet surgeries.

29006...Batesburg

29033...Cayce

29053...Gaston

29123...Pelion

29160...Swansea

29169...West Columbia

29170...West Columbia

29172...West Columbia