Dogs or cats that are not spayed or neutered are a major cause of the dog/cat overpopulation crisis. Unwanted litters are often abandoned, left at already crowded shelters, or allowed to roam unsupervised to continue the breeding cycle.

Consider these facts. Many abandoned, lost or stray dogs and cats roam our streets. One unspayed dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in six years and one male cat impregnating one female cat starts a family tree of 420,000 cats over a seven year period. Only about 14 of every 100 dogs that wind up in shelters will find a home. It is estimated that as many as 20 million dogs and cats are destroyed at a cost to taxpayers of $250 million. These are serious problems.

PET FRIENDS is working to lessen the problem of unwanted pets in our area by encouraging spaying and neutering and by finding permanent loving homes for homeless animals. Spaying and neutering are vital steps in combating this issue. This not only helps control the population, but reduces the risk of several types of cancers. Responsible pet owners provide their pet with good shelter, proper nutrition, and adequate veterinary care. Above all, responsible pet owners know that a pet is a companion and a friend for life.