LEWISTON — The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society has announced a new “Community Kitten Program” made possible with a $48,000 grant awarded to the society.

Due to the Sewall Foundation, the two-year program will focus on sterilizing litters of kittens and their mothers, allowing the kitten owners to give them away to the homes of their choice for free.

Litter owners are eligible to receive a voucher to give away with their kittens so the new owners can have the kitten spayed or neutered for a $10 co-pay. The kittens will also receive two distemper combo vaccines. Mother cats will be spayed and vaccinated for rabies, also for a $10 co-pay.

To take part of the program, kitten litter owners must live within the greater Androscoggin area and be willing to call the society at 783-2311 to make an appointment for a day the veterinarian is at the shelter.

Owners will also be required to sign an agreement with the society stating that they will not charge for the kittens. Owners can then give the kittens, with the vouchers, away to homes of their choice.

The new kitten owner will need to return to the shelter to pay the $10 co-pay. They will receive a certificate entitling them to a free spay/neuter through any local veterinarian participating in the program.

The program is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, while funding lasts. For more information, litter owners can contact the shelter, 55 Strawberry Ave., at 783-2311.

For more information, visit www.gahumane.org or join them on www.facebook/GAHumane.