February 12th, 2009
City, PALS, Mutt Strutt sponsor Spay Day

SUBMITTED REPORT

Pet Prevent a Litter of Central Texas (PALS), San Marcos Mutt Strutt, and San Marcos Animal Services will sponsor 80 spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats for Spay Day USA on Feb. 24.

A special Spay Day clinic will be held on February 24, at the San Marcos Animal Shelter, 750 River Road.

The partnering organizations will sponsor over 80 pet spay/neuter surgeries for those who cannot afford to sterilize their pets. In addition, a Big Dog campaign for prevention of spring litters will last through March with an emphasis on dogs over 40 pounds.

Due to overwhelming response, the Spay Day Clinic is already full, but PALS will continue to provide vouchers to pet owners that can be used at Emancipet and some local veterinarians. Please call PALS at 754-PALS (7257) to request a voucher.

Tuesday, February 24, marks the 15th anniversary of Spay Day USA and the third year of collaboration between PALS, Mutt Strutt, and San Marcos Animal Services for a spay/neuter blitz prior to the spring breeding season.

“For every pet that is spayed or neutered, fewer end up homeless or unwanted in Texas animal shelters,” said Sharri Boyett, Executive Director of PALS. “Animals that have been spayed or neutered generally have better health and exhibit improved behavior. Not only does altering cats and dogs benefit the animal guardian and pet, but it serves to help the whole community by not adding to the overwhelming problem of pet overpopulation.”

The 15th annual Spay Day USA is a campaign of The Humane Society of the United States to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets. In celebration of this special and important day, residents are urged to have their pets spayed or neutered.

If your companion animals are already fixed, consider making a donation to aid one of the organizations that help in the fight against uncontrolled breeding. Help be a part of the solution to help end the pet overpopulation crisis by having your animals sterilized. Enter the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest! Visit photocontest.humanesociety.org between Jan. 19 and Feb. 27 to enter.

The mission of the Pet Prevent a Litter of Central Texas (PALS) is to help end pet overpopulation and pet homelessness in central Texas. PALS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership through educational and spay/neuter programs. Their objective is to provide income-based pet sterilization services for those in need; PALS provides spay/neuter assistance all year round. Volunteers, members, and donors are needed. For more information, see www.preventalitter.com.

Mutt Strutt, a non-profit 501(c)(3) group, benefits the homeless pets of the San Marcos Animal Shelter. They strive to make the community a better place by providing wellness services, spay/neuter surgeries, and vaccinations to the shelter’s cats and dogs. Mutt Strutt helps to foster a humane and compassionate society through education and training. For more information, see www.muttstrutt.org.

The City of San Marcos Animal Services Division manages the Animal Shelter located at 750 River Road. In addition to animals relinquished by the citizens of San Marcos, their facility receives in stray animals collected by Hays County Animal Control and the City of Kyle. The shelter is open six days a week to the public for adoptions and pet reclaims. For information, or to volunteer your services call 512-805-2650.

— FROM THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS/MELISSA MILLECAM