Shelters across the U.S. are amid a euthanasia crisis, and those in New York City are no exception. The NYC Animal Care Center euthanized more than 1,400 cats and dogs in the first half of 2024.

There is no debate about the fact that spay/neuter helps combat overpopulation and euthanasia of unwanted, homeless animals. That’s why Dec. 10-11, 2024, Friends of Animals will be gifting 100 free spay/neuter certificates to NYC residents who cannot afford FoA’s already lower-cost spay/neuter program. The value is approximately $20,000.

“The city of New York has not addressed the overpopulation of cats and dogs by offering enough solutions to prevent euthanasia,” said Elizabeth Forel, animal activist, president of the Coalition for NYC Animals and board member of Friends of Animals. “With the cost of things so high in NYC, Friends of Animals’ foresight and generosity in meeting this crisis is very welcome.” 

FoA’s lower-cost program includes several veterinarians in all of NYCs five boroughs.

The free certificate will cover the cost of a routine spay/neuter procedure including a cursory (not full) surgical pre-exam, anesthesia, surgery, waste disposal, day of surgery post-operative care and pain relief, hospitalization as required and stitch removal if necessary. 

The free certificates will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are in need, call 1-800-321-PETS (7387) M-F, 9-5 EST to request a certificate.