The Alexander City Outlook

Program helping control pet population

After taking in 550 animals during the month of May alone, officials with the Lake Martin Humane Society Animal Shelter and Adoption Center are hoping a new program will help to reduce the number of strays in the area.

Shelter manager Mia Chandler said a failure from owners to have their pets spayed and neutered compounded by a weak economy leads to the increased numbers of in-takes during the spring and summer months.

“Having pets spayed or neutered is the only way we can decrease euthanasia,” Chandler said. “It is the most responsible thing you can do as a pet owner.”

Through a partnership with the shelter, the Alabama Spay/Neuter program in Birmingham will allow Lake Martin area residents to have their pets spayed or neutered at reduced rates.

The program, which is open to any pet owner, picks up pets from the humane society and takes them to the clinic for the reduced rate program. Chandler said there is an application process for interested pet owners and the first pick up is June 11.

Interested pet owners will be asked to fill out paperwork in advance. Pets that participate in the program will be dropped off the day after they are picked up for the surgery, according to Chandler.

She hopes the program will decrease the number of in-takes for the shelter.

“This is big,” Chandler said. “This is definitely a blessing for all animal lovers.”

Chandler said the regular price for a spay or neuter surgery can range anywhere from $100 for a male cat to $200 for a female dog.

Surgical fees for a female dog at Alabama Spay/Neuter are $68. The cost for a male dog is $58. A female cat procedure will set you back $53 and the fee is $38 for a male cat.

Chandler said the reduced fees would relieve some of the financial burden put upon pet owners and would also allow them to take advantage of local veterinary clinics for other procedures.

“This is like a huge gift to our area,” Chandler said.

Anyone with questions regarding the program can call the Lake Martin Humane Society Animal Shelter and Adoption Center at 234-5533.