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. Between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters every year; far too many to all find homes.
A solution is possible and starts with each of us taking one small step: getting our own pets fixed. 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.
Bring the Campaign to Your Community
People are responding to an innovative marketing campaign to promote the benefits of spaying and neutering pets. Watch the TV ads, view the billboards, and learn how you can bring the spay/neuter campaign to your community.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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February 2, 2010
West Hollywood City Council Prohibits Retail Sales of Dogs and Cats
The West Hollywood city council passed an ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, closing off a primary channel for the sale of dogs from puppy mills.
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January 21, 2010
SPAY DAY 2010 Launches Annual Pet Photo Contest
The HSUS and HSI are pleased to announce that the 2010 Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest has begun.
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December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
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November 11, 2009
A More Perfect Union
Matchmakers help rabbits find that special someone
Our Victories
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February 8, 2010
Anniversary of Freedom
February 6, 2010 marked the one-year anniversary of freedom for 283 dogs rescued from dismal, filthy conditions at a puppy mill near Goldsboro, NC.
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February 2, 2010
West Hollywood City Council Prohibits Retail Sales of Dogs and Cats
The West Hollywood city council passed an ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, closing off a primary channel for the sale of dogs from puppy mills.
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January 29, 2010
Cook County Government Passes Tethering Law to Protect Dogs and Community
The HSUS commends the Cook County Board of Commissioners for passing an ordinance to stop the inhumane tethering of dogs.
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December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
