VALPARAISO | Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper said one of his goals while in office has been to reduce the number of unwanted animals euthanized at the county animal shelter.

In hopes of striking the problem at its source, Harper and officials at the shelter have arranged for a June 26 visit by Neuter Scooter.

Neuter Scooter is a mobile veterinary clinic that rolls into town for the day to spay and neuter cats, he said.

Cat owners drop off their animals in the morning and return later in the evening to pick them up. Cats must be at least 6 weeks old.

The procedures, which are performed by licensed veterinarians, cost $40 in advance and $50 the day of the clinic, according to the group. A rabies vaccination for cats over 3 months of age and a Fel-O-Vax IV are given at no charge if requested.

Each cat is also tattooed in the left ear and females are tattooed on the belly. The ear tattoo is designed to tip off shelters that the animal has been spayed or neutered, which gives them a better chance at making it out alive.

The belly tattoo is designed to alert veterinarians that the procedure already has taken place.

Neuter Scooter also offers a special program for feral cats. A special rate of $20 per cat is offered for qualified animals.

"One of our worst problems are the feral cats," Harper said.

Neuter Scooter has visited the county once before, he said. This time, it will set up shop at the Porter County Expo Center.

Harper said he hopes to arrange for the group to visit the county six times a year or more.

To register or for more information, visit the program Web site at www.neuterscooter.com.