Help End the Crisis by Asking Lawmakers to Boost State Funding for Spay and Neuter Programs!
Final signature count: 8,589
8,589 signatures toward our 30,000 goal
Sponsor: FreeKibble
Millions of cats and dogs are dying in overcrowded shelters while lifesaving spay and neuter programs go underfunded—your voice can push state leaders to act now and stop this preventable cycle of suffering.
Across the United States, animal shelters are overflowing. Millions of dogs and cats enter each year, and far too many are euthanized simply because there isn’t enough room. Preventable overpopulation continues to strain rescue organizations, veterinarians, and communities alike. The solution isn’t complicated—it’s access. More funding for spay and neuter programs means fewer homeless animals and fewer heartbroken families1.
Spay and neuter procedures are among the most effective ways to control pet populations. They protect animals from diseases like uterine infections, mammary and testicular cancers, and reduce behavioral issues that often lead to abandonment2. These simple, safe surgeries help pets live longer, calmer, healthier lives—while keeping them out of shelters that are already struggling to stay open3.
Low-Cost Clinics Are Lifelines — But They’re Running on Empty
Even in states that already allocate funds, spay and neuter programs can’t meet demand. Clinics often rely on overworked veterinarians, volunteers, and outdated equipment. Rescue groups run at capacity, and mobile outreach units can’t reach every rural community. For many low-income families, the cost of sterilization—sometimes less than a single vet visit—still remains out of reach4.
When states expand funding and support community outreach, they empower local shelters and residents to act. Free or low-cost programs make it possible for every pet owner, regardless of income, to do the right thing. And when the number of animals entering shelters drops, adoption rates rise, euthanasia rates fall, and taxpayer-funded shelter costs decline5.
Education and Outreach Save Lives
Too often, families want to spay or neuter their pets but don’t know where to turn. Targeted outreach—through schools, community centers, and mobile vet units—can close that gap. States can partner with humane societies, veterinary schools, and rescue coalitions to bring care directly into neighborhoods that need it most. Outreach not only prevents unwanted litters but fosters a culture of responsibility and compassion across generations6.
It’s Time for States to Step Up
Every dollar invested in spay and neuter programs pays off in healthier pets, safer communities, and fewer lives lost. This is a shared responsibility—one that aligns with veterinarians’ mission to prevent suffering before it begins. By expanding funding and outreach, states can ensure that every pet has a chance at a safe home and every shelter can focus on saving lives instead of making impossible choices.
Join us in urging Governors and State Legislators to increase funding and outreach for state spay and neuter programs. Sign your name today and help stop the cycle of suffering before it begins.
