Friends of Animals issued more than 40 free spay/ neuter certificates for cats and dogs to Richmond, Va., residents in need on June 15. 

Since every unspayed and unneutered cat or dog poses another potential litter for shelters who are already overwhelmed, it is gratifying to know that we have prevented an untold number of cats and dogs from experiencing the horrors of abandonment and homelessness.

Many thanks to our donors who provide the thousands of dollars needed to cover the costs of this free promotion. We’re also grateful for the network of cooperating veterinarians in our national spay/neuter program. For this promotion, all surgeries will be performed by the Jessica Beath Clinic. 

Animal shelters across the U.S. are amid a cat and dog surrender crisis, and those in Richmond are no exception. Richmond Animal Care & Control reports taking in more than 3,000 animals annually, and last summer, saw surrender requests surge to 20 per day, a stark reversal from post-pandemic pet adoption highs.

Friends of Animals knows that access to affordable spay/neuter services is paramount in the fight against pet abandonment. FoA’s unique, affordable cost spay-neuter program is comprised of a national network of approximately 500 cooperating veterinarians. To date, FoA has facilitated 3 million surgical procedures.