In the event that any person who submits any cat or dog for spaying or neutering to a participating veterinarian fails to retrieve such cat or dog within the time recommended by such participating veterinarian, such veterinarian shall transfer custody of such dog or cat to a state animal control officer, regional animal control officer or a municipal animal control officer, as defined in § 22-327. No participating veterinarian who has performed services provided for in sections 22-380e to 22-380m, inclusive, shall be denied payment from the account due to any failure of an owner of a dog or cat to retrieve such dog or cat.