Local veterinarians join to reduce pet overpopulation

MAT-SU — Officials at the Mat-Su Borough Animal Control shelter expect the Valley's pet population to increase over the next few years, given that more people are moving into the area with fertile pets.

According to information from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, one fertile — or unaltered — cat and its offspring in seven years can produce 420,000 cats. Similarly, one unaltered dog and its unaltered offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years.

Last year 1,902 pets were euthanized at the shelter because they were not adopted. In an effort to get the Valley's pet population under control and reduce the amount of animals that must be put to death at the shelter due to overpopulation, Valley veterinarians are observing Spay Day USA.

In observing the day — which some are affectionately calling "2001, a Spay Odyssey" — several area veterinary clinics are offering reduced-cost spay and neutering.

Palmer Veterinary Clinic, due to the high demand for the clinic last year, is offering 25 percent off its spay and neuter fees. Staff at the clinic said spots for Tuesday and Wednesday are filling up quickly, and the discount is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To contact the clinic to schedule a spay or neuter, call 745-3219. The clinic is requiring a $20 deposit to reserve time for the spay days, and are requesting that those who take part bring in a can of dog or cat food that will be distributed to pets at the Animal Control shelter, Mat-Su Pets or the pets who live at the Pioneers' Home.

The Wasilla Veterinary Clinic operates an ongoing low-cost spay and neuter clinic. In conjunction with Spay Day, the clinic is dropping its rates by $3, so the costs for the procedures will range from $30 to $58, according to the sex, age and weight of the animal. There are certain restrictions with the low-cost program, however, and those interested should contact the clinic for more information.

Those participating in the Wasilla clinic's spay day will be requested to bring two cans of "people food," which staff said will be donated to the Wasilla Food Bank.

Wasilla Veterinary Clinic can be contacted at 376-3993.

All Creatures Veterinary Clinic is offering approximately $20 off its spay and neuter fees. With the discount, the fees will range between $57.75 and $90.75, staff said.

Staff at the clinic suggested that those who wished to take part should call quickly, as spaces are being filled rapidly. As of Tuesday, there was only space available to neuter cats — all other spots have been filled. There is a backup list available, but staff said that list is quickly filling up as well. To contact the clinic, call 376-7930.

Big Lake-Susitna Veterinary Clinic is also participating in the spay day, and is offering 10 percent off all spay or neuter surgeries.

Staff at the clinic said those wishing to book time for the discount should bring proof of current shot records for their pet and must schedule a pre-surgery exam. Booking must be done quickly in order to have the pre-surgery exam completed before Tuesday, staff said.