February 23, 2006

Washington Humane Society Opens Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic
Pet Sterilization Offers Best Solution to the District of Columbia's Crushing Pet Overpopulation Problem
First Day of Surgeries to Coincide with Spay Day USA 2006

Washington, DC - On February 25, the Washington Humane Society will open a low-cost pet sterilization clinic for low-income people with animals in the Washington metropolitan region. On its first day of operation, the clinic plans to perform surgeries on 25 animals.

In addition to providing surgeries through its clinic, which will initially be open one day per week and one weekend per month, the Washington Humane Society will utilize private, volunteer veterinarians to provide low-cost surgeries on three additional days each week. One day a month the clinic will concentrate on sterilizing feral cats free of charge. The Society plans to have its clinic functioning seven days a week by 2007.

Animals can reproduce at an astounding rate. One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years, and one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in seven years (figures from the Humane Society of the Untied States). As a result, thousands of unwanted cats and dogs are abandoned, neglected, or turned into animal shelters in the District of Columbia each year. Simply put, there are many more animals than there are homes for them.

The solution lies in spaying and neutering, a safe and painless surgical procedure that eliminates unwanted litters of puppies and kittens who would be born to face an uncertain fate. In addition, sterilization prevents certain types of cancer and other diseases, eliminates behavior problems such as aggression and "marking" in the house, and makes cats and dogs happier, healthier, easier companions. People with dogs can also save money by having their animals neutered. District of Columbia laws require annual licenses for dogs, and a license for an un-neutered animal costs $46, but only $13 for neutered animals.

Since the average direct care cost (food, shelter, medicine, supplies) per animal at the D.C. Animal Shelter is $62, spaying and neutering also promises significant savings to the tax payers and represents the most fiscally responsible approach to the pet overpopulation crisis.

"To have the Spay/Neuter Clinic opening is a great relief," says WHS Executive Director Howard Nelson. "Our Good Home Guarantee, a five-year plan to find a home for each and every adoptable animals who enters our shelter, relies not only on increasing pet adoptions; We need to work just as hard at reducing the number of animals who come to us in need. And that means offering convenient, high-quality spay and neuter surgeries at a price that even the lowest income pet owner can afford."
For an appointment at the Society's new Clinic, low-income pet owners can call 202-88-ALTER (202-882-5837). Prices at the Washington Humane Society's clinic will be $45 for cats and $90 for dogs.

Donations in support of the Washington Humane Society's efforts to end pet overpopulation, or in support of its animal rescue, shelter, and adoption work, can be sent to 7319 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20012 or made online at www.washhumane.org.