An organization that provides pet spay and neuter services for low-income Islanders is setting up programs for the three P.E.I. Abegweit First Nations communities.

The Abegweit Pets program, funded by a $10,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada, will vaccinate, neuter and spay animals in Scotchfort, Morell and Rocky Point.

Project co-ordinator Elizabeth Schoales said she was approached by First Nation Chief Brian Francis and RCMP Const. Anne O'Shaughnessy to help with the overpopulation of cats and dogs on First Nations communities.

"Having a lot of cats and dogs in the communities has been a problem and it's not particularly easy to get to vet clinics," said Schoales. "So, hopefully it's going to make a significant difference, both to the animals and the people in the communities."

SpayAid PEI and a group of about 10 volunteers have started vaccinating animals in Rocky Point. Later the animals will be transported to nearby clinics to be spayed or neutered.

The organization hopes to spay and neuter more than 80 animals over the next 12 months.