Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.
Many cats and dogs who die as a result of pet overpopulation could have made wonderful pets.
A solution is possible and starts with each of us taking one small step: getting our own pets spayed or neutered. To help stop pet overpopulation further, consider adopting your next pet from an animal shelter.
Learn more about the pet overpopulation crisis and how, together, we can solve it.
You Can Afford to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Here are some ideas for locating low-cost surgery options.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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January 27, 2012
Pets for Life–A New Community Understanding
"Pets for Life–A New Community Understanding," a new report from The HSUS, shows how community outreach can lead to healthier pets and fewer pets in shelters.
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December 6, 2011
Two North Carolina Animal Shelters Receive Grants from The HSUS
Grants, totaling $6,000, will help shelters make new additions, provide for basic repairs and implement new outreach programs to encourage pet adoption.
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November 8, 2011
San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Braylon Edwards Teams Up with The HSUS' Pets for Life Program
Being the only child during his early years, Braylon Edwards spent a lot of time with his family dogs and from there, his first love of man's best friend was born. Now, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver considers his pet Rottweiler Louis one of his best friends.
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November 7, 2011
The HSUS Celebrates National Animal Shelter (and Rescue!) Appreciation Week
The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, proudly celebrates National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week from Nov. 6-12, and encourages pet lovers to support their local shelters and rescues.
Our Victories
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December 28, 2010
Top 12 State Victories for Animals in 2010
Thanks to the help of our dedicated advocates and the support of state legislators, 2010 was another historic year for animals in state lawmaking.
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December 16, 2010
Austin City Council Prohibits Retail Sales of Dogs and Cats
The Austin, Texas, City Council has approved an ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, a measure that will help crack down on inhumane puppy mills.
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December 6, 2010
Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Dog Breeding Regulations as Unconstitutional
The HSUS applauds a decision by the Federal District Court in Florida upholding Volusia County’s animal care ordinance, and rejecting the plaintiff’s claim that dog breeders have a constitutional right to operate free from humane regulations.
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November 4, 2010
Missouri Veterinarians Celebrate Victory for Dogs
Missouri veterinarians are joining with voters from throughout the state in celebrating the passage of Proposition B, a statewide ballot initiative to establish basic standards of care for dogs in large-scale commercial breeding facilities.
