We need to bring Free or Low Cost Spay and Neuter programs here to Central
Iowa!
And reduce the overall kill (euthanasia) rate.
We are working on proposals to all area veterinarians as
far as ISU Vet school to do FREE spay and neuter clinics for people who can't
afford to spay and neuter, and possibly vaccinate, if their critters have not
had any vaccinations. How this will work is, we will do a specific fund
raiser (and if you have an idea for a fund raiser, please let us know ASAP),
then we use that money to pay veterinarians to participate. These type of Free
Clinics generally take place only 2-4 times per year and usually on a Saturday.
We hope this will reduce much of the homeless population out there. Yes, let's
face it, it is a problem here in our area that needs addressed.
Other Iowa Humane Shelters in Iowa are pushing for a
STATE WIDE Spay and Neuter clinic. We are proud to say we will be part of this
and hope you will help by doing your part as well!
Top Reason why you should Spay and Neuter your
Animal Companions AND help trap and spay/neuter strays in your area.
1. Every day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in this country while only
10,000 people are born.
2. It's simple math - there just are not enough homes for all of these animals.
3. Every year 10-12 million animals are euthanized in shelters for lack of
available homes.
4. On average, 64% of all animals taken into shelters nationwide have to be
euthanized for this reason.
5. At least 50% of the overpopulation problem is non-neutered males. Females
cant do it alone.
6. Purebreds account for 30% of all the animals in shelters.
7. For every home found for an animal that has been bred, a home is lost for
a shelter animal.
8. Animal overpopulation has reached a crisis point in this country.
9. You personally can make a difference by spaying or neutering your pet.
10. Visit your local shelter!
and finally, this video:
There are 45 cats and dogs for every person born. Only
1 out of 10 dogs born ever get a home. Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever find
a home. 800 dogs & cats are killed each HOUR in the U.S, because there are
not enough homes for them.
1. If you cannot afford to spay or neuter your pet
yourself and cannot find help in your community, try any of the following:
SPAY/USA
is a national spay/neuter
referral network that may be able to direct you to subsidized spay/neuter
clinics in your area. SPAY/USA can be reached at 1-800-248-SPAY (1-800-248-7729)
or you can visit their website.
Call your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian may be able to work out special financing options for you.
Remember that, even if you pay full price for the procedures, spaying or
neutering is a one-time cost with a lifetime of benefits. Spaying or neutering
your pet not only helps curb pet overpopulation but also reduces your pet's risk
of succumbing to many health problems. It remains one of the best bargains in
animal health care.
Pets 911
is an online resource for pet guardians and those looking to adopt a pet. Their
online database can provide you with information on veterinarians, special
clinics, and other spay/neuter resources in your area.
1-800-248-SPAY SPAY/USA is a national referral service for the public regarding low cost
spay/neuter programs. By calling their toll-free number, 1-800-248-SPAY, you
will receive information about the nearest low-cost program and will be sent a
certificate as proof you have gone through the SPAY/USA network. We have over
900 programs and clinics nationwide with about 7,500 top-notch veterinarians in
the network as of mid-1998.
Feline Rescue USA programs that provide low cost or free spay/neuter for pet cats and dogs, as
well as strays and ferals are listed by state and in states which have many
resources listed by county and by area code. There are also some US nationwide
programs. Some programs work only with pets of people with low incomes, while
others do not consider income at all but serve only pet cats -- or only feral
(untamed) cat. Some other programs serve all kinds of people and cats. If that
information was provided to us it is noted below the listing.
Happypets.org Low cost or free spay/neuter programs in every state but North Dakota, South
Dakota or Wyoming.
1-800-321-PETS Call the Friends of Animals spay/neuter hotline, and they will send you a list
of participating veterinarians in your area -and an order form for your low cost
spay/neuter certificate.
Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) The Humane Society of the United States' Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS)
is a non-profit program bringing free veterinary services to under served rural
communities around the globe, whether in La Paz, Bolivia or Bell County,
Kentucky. Volunteer veterinary students work with experienced veterinarians to
provide essential animal health services such as sterilizations and
vaccinations, as well as educational programs on a variety of topics including
disease prevention and humane animal care.
Of course there are 2 sides to the no-kill debate. Some no kill shelters
become overpopulated with animals living in cages for way too long, cages
stacked up on each other.
The real solution is to spay and neuter as many dogs and cats as possible.
