Easing the plight of homeless pets
December 4, 2009
Looking back over this past year, it is heartening to learn that our Ventura County animal shelter successfully adopted out over 4,000 animals to new homes. But looking ahead to the future and for ways to improve, we can also point to the fact that of these pets 60% had to be spayed or neutered before going out to their new families to live. That is a very high percentage, and it can make us think how much lower our animal shelter population would be and our euthanasia rate would be if more people would spay and neuter their pets.
Many animals who end up in shelters or are abandoned in the world to fend for themselves are the unwanted offspring of pets that were not spayed or neutered. The first line of defense for preventing the suffering of unwanted pets is the pet owner who spays or neuters their own pet.
The benefits of spaying and neutering pets are furthered by helping pets lead longer and happier lives, in addition to saving money for pet owners. Both males and females that are “fixed” have reduced rates of cancer. Damage to household furniture and carpet is reduced when pets are spayed and neutered.
Ventura County encourages spaying and neutering by charging $20 yearly to license an altered dog, versus $65 for an unaltered dog. That is a big difference. There are also additional cost savings to shelters in the long run, as there would be fewer pets requiring shelters and euthanization. Experts assure us that the instinct of dogs to protect their turf, and the property of their owners, is not affected by spaying and neutering. It’s easy to see how a dog that is not wandering off or trying to mate makes for a better watch dog.
Low cost clinics for spaying and neutering pets are available in Ventura County. One of the most successful programs is the Valley Veterinary Clinic Charitable Nonprofit Corporation, in the East County. Their spay and neuter program began in 1998 by holding a one day free spay and neuter for cats, altering 80 to 100 cats.
They now spay and neuter both dogs and cats and will be able to alter 5,000 annually. Since 1998 Valley Vet has greatly contributed to lowering the euthanasia rate in Simi Valley by over 80% and has assisted in reducing the euthanasia rates in Moorpark as well. In the year 1998, 1,500 dogs and cats from Simi Valley were euthanized, but by 2008 that number dropped to 225, much to the credit of Valley Vet.
It is now the goal of this group to help decrease the number of animals euthanized throughout Ventura County. This year the Valley Vet Nonprofit Spay and Neuter clinic will spay or neuter feral cats for free and offer low to no cost spay and neuter services for pets if families cannot afford to pay the full cost. Other organizations that help off-set the cost for those who cannot afford the surgery include the Herman Bennett Foundation, SPAN, and the Mercy Crusade. Residents can also obtain vouchers from the Animal Regulation Department.
This holiday season you might consider donating to Valley Veterinary Nonprofit
at 1659 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93065 or call 584-3823.
The Humane Society of Ventura County also provides a spay and neuter clinic that is open three days a week in Ojai, as well as a shelter for pets needing homes, and a cruelty investigation service. For more information residents can call 646-6505 or 656-5031 or visit their website at http://www.hsvc.org. Donations to the Humane Society are down nearly 50% from last year, while the housing crisis has created a huge demand for services. The need for generous help from the community is greater than ever.
The County Animal Regulation Department is also looking for the following donations: agility tire jumps, dog walks, tunnels, A-frames, hurdles, Kong toys, metal benches or chairs, cat trees, bandanas and collars for both dogs and cats, horse halters and brushes, volunteers, and of course, new homes! They can be reached at (805) 388-4341 or 1-888-223-PETS.
The Agoura Shelter at 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura, 91301 services the city of Thousand Oaks and also encourages donations, including items such as collars, leashes, and gift cards to local pet stores that can all be given to people when they adopt an animal.
During the month of December residents are invited to drop off donations at my Thousand Oaks office located at 2967 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard. I will be happy to ensure a speedy delivery to the organizations that work year round to improve animal welfare.
Pets can enrich our lives by reducing stress, providing security, loyalty, and friendship. In return, giving pets a healthier, safer, and better future by spaying, neutering, adopting and donating is part of what makes us humane. We salute the staff and volunteers who work to see that every pet born finds a loving, protected home, and we envision a world with no pets living on the streets or euthanized in shelters.