Pet overpopulation is preventable

Dear Editor,

Here’s the deal…the gestational length of a domestic dog or cat is 63 to 65 days. So, if a mature female animal shows up at your house, and no scar or tattoo to indicate a previous surgery is apparent, assume that this animal has been bred, and act quickly!

Many veterinarians are booked out two to three weeks, but we are so blessed to have several affordable spay/neuter options in our area. The pet overpopulation problem is real, and easily preventable. Requesting help for a sterilization surgery on a stray or abandoned animal in a timely manner is far easier than asking our local shelters/rescues/nonprofits to rehome a litter of 10 to 12 mixed breed pups!

It’s not that hard, we can do this!

PAULA HARAWAY, DVM