In honor of World Birth Control Day, Pasadena Humane is pleased to announce that low-cost spay/neuter appointments are now available.
World Contraception Day, observed on the fourth Tuesday of February each year, evolved from U.S. Contraception Day, which was founded in 1995 by the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
World Spay Day is a reminder of the importance of spaying and neutering your pets. “Fixing” pets is one of the most effective ways to control pet overpopulation and end pet homelessness in our country.
Since the first public spay/neuter clinics opened in the late 1960s, the number of homeless animals has decreased significantly, thanks to the efforts of animal rights activists across the country to promote spaying and neutering.
Thanks to spaying and neutering of pets, the annual number of dogs and cats admitted to shelters has decreased from an estimated 20 million in 1970 to about 6.3 million today.
Most states, including California, require shelters to spay or neuter all adopted dogs and cats before they go to a new home. Additionally, some cities, such as Pasadena, have ordinances requiring spaying and neutering.
But decades of progress were effectively halted by the coronavirus pandemic. Spaying and neutering pets is not considered an essential service, and many low-cost providers and veterinary clinics have been forced to suspend spaying and neutering services.
Due to the effects of the pandemic and a nationwide shortage of veterinarians, the number of spays and neuters performed across the country has significantly decreased. Researchers estimate that in 2020 and 2021, approximately 2.7 million pets that would otherwise have been modified avoided surgery.
The trickle-down effect of reduced spaying and neutering is having a direct impact on shelters. While the number of animals entering rescue systems declined during the early days of the pandemic, animal intake has steadily increased since 2020.
From 2022 to 2023, Pasadena Humane saw a 42% increase in the number of companion animals entering its shelters.
One of the changes we've seen over the past few years is the resurgence of puppies. Puppies are rarely seen in our kennel anymore. Currently, multiple puppies, especially large dogs like Shepherds, join our care on a regular basis.
We ask everyone in our animal care and management service area to spay or neuter their pets. Pasadena Humane is committed to expanding our veterinarian capacity to provide lower-cost spay/neuter services to our communities.
During the busy summer season, the number of public surgery appointments available at our hospital decreases.
Of course, our first priority is to “fix” the animals in our shelters so they can be adopted. That's why now is the perfect time to book your surgery at our low-cost clinic.
In addition to helping to control pet overpopulation, there are many documented benefits to spaying and neutering your pet.
Statistically, pets that are spayed or neutered live longer. Immobilizing your pet has been proven to eliminate or dramatically reduce the risk of uterine infections and breast cancer in women, and testicular cancer and prostate problems in men.
Modifying your pet will also reduce nuisance behavior.
Neutered animals are less likely to roam, spray, or mark. Spayed female cats no longer go into heat and no longer make the loud cries typical of female cats looking for a mate.
Spaying and neutering also has economic benefits. Most cities have significantly reduced license fees for modified pets.
Pasadena Humane Spay/Neuter Clinic will announce more surgery appointments on February 25th, just in time for World Spay Day on February 27th and March. For more information about the spay/neuter clinic and to schedule an appointment, visit pasadenahumane.org/snip.
Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahuman.org
