As the largest public spay/neuter clinic in the metropolitan area, we are proud of our commitment to helping pet owners responsibly neuter their pets and curb the overpopulation trends we are currently seeing. I think so.
But when you look at the websites of shelters and rescues in the area, it can be disheartening to see so many animals waiting so long to find their forever homes. According to Shelter Animals Count, a national database that compiles animal shelter statistics, it was found that the number of pets entering shelters in 2023 has increased by 4% from 2021, which clearly shows that we This is not the desired trend.
It is useful to look back at the impact spay/neuter programs have had on animal shelter populations. In 1973, the Humane Society of the United States estimated that 13.5 million shelter animals were euthanized in the United States. Thanks to aggressive spaying and neutering efforts since then, that number has fallen by 97% by 2020. We know how important spaying and neutering is in controlling pet overpopulation, but the Shelter Animals Count study shows that non-life outcomes (mainly humane and neutering that correlate with increased pet intake) It is troubling that we found that euthanasia) increased by 15% in 2023. This is the top. The number of dogs and cats in shelters at the end of the year was 177,000 more than at the end of 2022.
Other statistics highlight the importance of timely spaying of female pets to prevent repeat pregnancies. But even with low-cost clinics and subsidized surgeries for low-income households, the cost of spaying or neutering a pet can still be a major barrier for many pet owners. These expenses can deter individuals from doing what is best for their pets, further exacerbating the overpopulation crisis.
We are pleased to share that the Animal Rescue Foundation has launched a new program aimed at breaking down this barrier by offering free neutering to community members who surrender a puppy or kitten. Our new program, Fix Mom for Free, offers multiple benefits to pet owners, including:
- Free spay/neuter package (includes surgery, rabies vaccine, nail clippers, microchip, post-op 'cone' and post-op pain medication). Price: $213 – $435
- There is no charge for delivery of puppies and kittens. Value: $200-$500
This initiative helps break the cycle of pet overpopulation, while also underscoring our commitment to creating a more sustainable and caring environment for pets in need.
“Spaying helps reduce the risk of certain health problems associated with unspayed female pets, such as uterine infections and certain types of cancer,” says APF Shelter and Community Support Animals. said physician Dr. Sarah Sosnow. “Spaying can also help control problem behaviors such as wandering and aggression, leading to happier, healthier pets and more harmonious homes.”
To learn more about Fix Mom for Free or to get involved, call the Animal Protective Foundation at 518-374-3944 or email info@animalprotective.org. Join us and make a positive impact on the lives of animals and our entire community.
Joe Risela is the executive director of the Animal Rescue Foundation. APF welcomes animal-related questions and stories about people and animals in our community by contributing articles to Animal Chronicles. Visit Animalprotective.org, follow us on social media @AnimalProtectiveFoundation, or email chronics@animalprotective.org.
