Maricopa County pet owners can get a voucher for free spay or neuter surgeries at a county event Saturday.

Normally, the vouchers take about six weeks to arrive by mail. But at the event, pet owners can apply for and receive vouchers in one visit.

Those who receive a voucher will get a list of 72 Valley clinics where they can get their dogs or cats sterilized.

Vouchers also will be available at county shelters next week at the following times:

On Sept. 19 at the county's West Shelter, 2500 S. 27th Ave., from 2 to 6 p.m.;

Sept. 20 at the county's East Shelter, 2630 W. Eighth St., Mesa, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The voucher is valid for 90 days. It does not pay for any post-surgery medication.

Saturday's event, sponsored by Lulu's Fund, will be be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Under One Woof at the Metrocenter Mall, 9617 N. Metro Parkway, Phoenix.

County shelter officials say spaying or neutering your pet is key to keeping animal populations in check.

For more information, call 602-506-7387 or visit pets.maricopa.gov.