February 22nd is World Spay Day! This day is celebrated each year to increase awareness of the need for spay/neuter surgeries in animals across the US. It's also a great opportunity to educate pet owners about the benefits of sterilization. 

Did you know 4-6 million companion animals enter into shelters each year? This number is largely due to pet overpopulation caused by unplanned litters of puppies and kittens. While these pint-sized furry friends are undeniably adorable, each one represents a home taken away from an animal already in a shelter. As a result, many adoptable shelter cats and dogs are euthanized each year simply because there are not enough homes to go around.

Altering your dog or cat will also lessen the risk of uterine infections or breast cancer in females and testicular cancer or enlarged prostate gland in males. Spay/neuter surgery may also reduce behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct. The procedure will NOT affect a pet’s intelligence, weight, or ability to learn, play, work, or hunt. 

To help combat pet overpopulation, the HSVC offers low-cost spay/neuter surgery to pet owners in need. You can help us celebrate World Spay Day by "spaying it forward" and donating so we can continue providing low-cost spay/neuter services to those in need. Help us save the lives of countless shelter animals!

To donate now, please visit our website. If you are in need of spay/neuter services, please call the Shelter at 805-646-6505 to make an appointment.