February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

World Spay Day 2013 is Tuesday, February 26. World Spay Day is an annual campaign that shines a spotlight on spay/neuter—a proven way to save the lives of companion animals, feral cats and street dogs who might otherwise be put down in a shelter or killed on the street.

In the United States, there are an estimated 6–8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted. The other half is unfortunately euthanized. Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. Millions of pet deaths each year are a needless tragedy.

By spaying or neutering your pet, you can be an important part of the solution. When we spay or neuter our pets, we ensure they will not add to the millions of already suffering animals. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100 percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

Your veterinarian can spay or neuter your pet. Please contact him or her for more information. If you don’t already have a veterinarian, you can ask your family, friends and even your local animal shelter for a referral.

Many people want to have their pets spayed or neutered, but when they find out how much it costs, they think it won't be possible. But there are many shelters, veterinarians and organizations that offer low-cost spay/neuter services.

Be a responsible pet owner – spay or neuter your pet! To learn more about World Spay Day and Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, visit https://spaydayportal.humanesociety.org/.