History

Friends of Animals was founded in 1957 to end pet homelessness by helping to make spaying and neutering more affordable through our low-cost spay/neuter certificates. Our certificates have helped alter more than 2.8 million dogs and cats.

There is no debate about the fact that spay/neuter helps combat the single largest killer of dogs and cats—overpopulation and euthanasia of unwanted, homeless animals.

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) has identified being sexually intact as the leading risk factor for owner relinquishment of cats and dogs; therefore, neutering prior to adoption is likely to improve the odds that adopted animals will be retained in their homes.

In the 70s, overflowing animal shelters euthanized millions of animals. Our work has helped bring this number down. Now, it is estimated that the number of cats and dogs euthanized in U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately 2.6 million in 2011 to 355,000 in 2021, according to Best Friends Animal Society.

There are few greater joys than bringing a cat or dog into your home, and heart.

With this joy comes the commitment to provide your new family member with the comforts and necessities needed for a healthy and content life. Spaying or neutering your animal is one of these necessities.