Monday, January 26, 2015

Clinics Offered in Recognition of February as Spay and Neuter Awareness Month

In recognition of February as Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, the Atlantic County Animal Shelter is offering two spay and neuter clinics for dogs and cats.

"We strongly encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets to help reduce pet overpopulation," stated Kathy Kelsey, Atlantic County Animal Shelter Manager. "It is also an important part of being a responsible pet owner. A large number of animals that end up in shelters are the result of household pets that reproduced. That is why we spay and neuter all animals adopted from our shelter."

Spaying and neutering has health benefits as well. It helps reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals in our communities, reduces an animal's natural urge to roam to find a mate, get into fights with other animals as well as the tendency to bite. It also promotes a longer, healthier life for a pet by reducing the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections in females and prostate problems and testicular cancer in males.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter will celebrate this observance by holding two special spay/neuter clinics, February 11 and February 18, by appointment only. To register call the shelter at (609) 485-2345, Monday through Friday, 1-4 PM.

The cost of the spay and neuter services is $25 for cats and $50 for dogs and includes distemper and rabies vaccinations.

While spaying and neutering help to reduce pet overpopulation, the American Humane Association (AHA) has found that the problem may have less to do with a lack of homes for shelter animals than it does with a lack of people who choose to adopt a pet from a shelter. The AHA reports that 17 million Americans acquire a new pet each year, more than double the number of shelter animals nationwide.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter has a variety of dogs and cats, of different ages and breeds, that are looking for good homes. Adoptions from the shelter include spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations for rabies and distemper, fecal testing, deworming, and a leash or carrier for transport. Microchips and ID tags are available for additional fees. And all adopted dogs receive two free obedience classes.

Those interested in adopting a pet may visit the shelter online at www.aclink.org/animalshelter or in person at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville after 1 PM each day.
In addition to the services provided by the Atlantic County Animal Shelter, the State of New Jersey offers low cost spay and neuter programs to state residents who adopt a pet from an eligible, licensed New Jersey shelter or a non-profit state animal adoption referral agency. Dogs must be licensed in the municipality in which the owner resides.

For more information, visit www.aclink.org/animalshelter/mainpages/spay-neuter.asp.

Learn more about the Animal Shelter, click here.

County News