Our animal shelters are in crisis. In 2023, 6.3 million dogs and cats entered shelters, and tragically, 1 million happy, healthy, and adoptable animals were euthanized. That’s one life lost every 30 seconds!

The harsh reality is that pet overpopulation is the leading cause of this crisis. Families struggle to afford the cost of fixing their pets, and unwanted pregnancies can occur rapidly, even as early as 4 months old! Consequently, tens of thousands of unwanted animals are born each year with nowhere to go but an animal shelter. Shelters in every community across the country are at capacity. Animal welfare leaders unanimously agree that refocusing on spay and neuter programs is essential, as rescue efforts alone cannot save these lives.

Since the 1970s, access to affordable spay and neuter services has been credited as the single most impactful solution to reducing shelter intake and euthanasia. It’s how we’ve decreased this heartbreaking statistic from 13 million lives in the 70s to 1 million in 2023. Fixing one animal can prevent the birth of thousands more, breaking the cycle. Unfortunately, the downward trend has reversed in recent years. Spay and neuter clinics halted during the pandemic, and prices increased across the country, creating a backlog of families and pets who need help.

Spay and neuter programs have never been more critical than they are today.