Economic Woes Affect Pets

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that more than 3 million pets are euthanized in shelters every year. In seven years, one unspayed female cat and her unaltered offspring can produce 420,000 new cats.

Cats and dogs do not need to give birth to "feel fulfilled." They won't get fat unless they're overfed. They'll be just as affectionate, playful, intelligent or protective as they would have been if they had not been spayed. The bond between pets and their humans is likely to benefit from not having the mess of females in heat or male cat spray to worry about.

Early altering reduces breast cancer (the number one cancer in female dogs) and eliminates uterine infections and uterine and testicular cancer, according to Spay USA. Neutered animals fight less, which means they avoid combat-related injuries.

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association officially endorsed early age spaying and neutering in 1993. Spay USA reports that the lowest rate of surgical complications is in kittens younger than 12 weeks and puppies younger than 16 weeks. Numerous scientific studies have disproved the belief that early altering would lead to urinary or other health problems.

According to Spay USA, 85 percent of cats and 70 percent of dogs in U.S. households are spayed or neutered. Unfortunately, 20 percent of those companion animals were allowed to have a litter before they were altered. That's why most rescue organizations in the Twin Cities now spay or neuter animals before they are adopted.

Not all adoptions go through rescue groups. Sometimes, a friend is giving away a litter or a stray animal shows up at the door. In these challenging economic times, it can be hard for the new family to pay for a spay or neuter surgery.

Decreased donations affect nonprofits

Medipet, another Twin Cities organization that helps subsidize spay and neuter costs, is feeling the slowdown in donations. Medipet hosts quarterly luncheons at DeGedio's in St. Paul that include a silent auction and t-shirt sales. They also rely on annual membership dues of $10.00. Board member Ann Miller says that the maximum subsidy available from Medipet right now is $50, which can be used at Fort Road Animal Clinic in St. Paul. To donate, call Medipet at (651) 773-0862.

Alternative models of fundraising

Minnesota law requires that only organizations owned and operated by veterinarians can offer medical services to the public. According to Janelle Dixon, Animal Humane Society (AHS) executive director, the legislation has forced the AHS to suspend its Prevent a Litter program. Dixon says that the AHS is working with the Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association to find ways to provide the service while meeting the legal standard. The best alternative, Dixon says, is to find a source of public funding that provides for 10,000 to 15,000 subsidized spay/neuter surgeries annually. Other states provide models for raising funds through dedicated license plates, check-off boxes on income tax returns, service fees for rabies vaccinations or taxes on pet food. For more information or to donate, visit www.animalhumanesociety.org.

Spay and neuter subsidies are still available

Animal Ark, a no-kill shelter located in Hastings, Minn., administers the "Pet Fix" program. Spay/neuter certificates of $50 for a cat or $75 for a dog can be redeemed at a number of Twin Cities' veterinary clinics and are intended for low-income pet owners. In some cases they may be provided free of charge. Certificates are available, as funds allow, at the Animal Ark Thrift Store at 809 E. 7th Street in St. Paul or through Minneapolis or St. Paul Animal Control. Funding comes from Cause for Paws, Feline Rescue, Minnesota Humane Society and Animal Ark, as well as some local businesses like Chuck and Don's Pet Food Outlet stores. For more information or to donate, visit www.animalarkshelter.org.

Laura French is a freelance writer who lives in Roseville with three cats - Gracie, Tennessee Tuxedo and his pal Chumley, and Sofie, whose breed(s) will forever remain a mystery.