August Is Free Spay/Neuter Month At LA Shelters

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles residents can get up to three household cats spayed or neutered for free under a voucher program that will be offered throughout August.

The spay/neuter certificates are being offered by Los Angeles Animal Services in response to a recent uptick in the number of cats and kittens at city shelters. Animal Services recently reported year-over-year increases of 20% for cats and 15% for kittens at shelters.

Certificates can be obtained at a city Animal Services Center or online at www.lacityvet.com/onlinevoucher. Once a certificate is received, it must be redeemed at a participating veterinary hospital within 10 days. Information on participating veterinary hospitals, spay/neuter clinics and mobile spay/neuter clinics can be found at www.laanimalservices.com/shelter- locator.

"We will continue to brainstorm to do our very best to find positive outcomes for the animals in our care," Brenda Barnette, general manager of Animal Services, said last month when announcing the increase in shelter cats. "What we really need right now is for cat-loving Angelenos to foster or adopt now more than ever."

Officials attributed the spikes to an abnormally large birthing season.

City News Service