To prevent an increase in animal overpopulation, the Hollister
Animal Shelter is taking part in the ninth annual national Spay
Day.
To prevent an increase in animal overpopulation, the Hollister Animal Shelter is taking part in the ninth annual national Spay Day.
The shelter is offering 55 coupons for free spay or neuter surgery at the Animal Hospital or Hollister Veterinary Clinic during the week of Feb. 24.
“We have an overpopulation problem,” said Julie Carreiro, animal control supervisor at the shelter. “There are still too many animals having to be euthanized. Animals clearly outnumber the population.”
Nationally, Carreiro said, the average amount spent to shelter an animal is $176. The City of Hollister spends an average of about $150 per animal, she said.
“When a dog has 10 puppies (in a litter) that’s a lot of puppies,” said Carreiro, who added that dogs can have up to two litters per year.
Since she arrived at the shelter 13 years ago, Carreiro said she has seen a steady increase in the local animal population.
Interested residents should pick up one of the coupons – which are split between appointments for dogs and cats – between now and Feb. 24. But the coupons are limited to the 55 available, so Carreiro encouraged people to pick them up soon.
The two participating veterinary clinics have set aside time slots during the entire week of Feb. 24 for the 55 spay and neuter operations.
“Anybody maybe having a tough time and can’t afford it can get their pet altered,” Carriero said.
She said the funding for the week of free operations comes from a special account of donation money earmarked for the program. The Animal Hospital and Hollister Veterinary Clinic will reduce their rates to the shelter for that week to help promote animal owner responsibility.
For more information, call the Hollister Animal Shelter at 636-4320.
