Fix mom for free and reduce pet overpopulation in Capital Region

March 9, 2025

By Joe Lisella

Fix mom for free and reduce pet overpopulation in Capital Region

However, if you look at the area’s shelter and rescue websites, it can be disheartening to see so many animals waiting longer to find their forever homes.

It is helpful to take a look back at the impact spay and neuter programs have had on animal shelter populations. In 1973, the Humane Society of the United States estimated that 13.5 million shelter animals were euthanized in the U.S. Thanks to aggressive efforts to spay and neuter in the ensuing years, by 2020 that number was down to nearly one million. Though we know how important spay and neuter is in controlling pet overpopulation, recent trends continue to indicate that the number of animals entering shelters is growing and outpacing the number of adopters.

Other statistics highlight the importance of timely spaying for female pets to prevent repeated pregnancies. But, even with our low-cost clinic and subsidized surgeries for low-income families, the cost of spaying or neutering a pet can still be a significant barrier for many pet owners. These expenses can deter individuals from doing what’s best for their pets, further exacerbating the overpopulation crisis.

I am happy to share that Animal Protective Foundation (APF) is relaunching a program designed to break down this barrier by offering free spay surgeries to any community member who surrenders a litter of puppies or kittens. Our new program, Fix Mom for Free, provides multiple benefits to pet owners including:

• Free spay surgery package (includes surgery, vaccines, nail trim, microchip, post-op “cone,” and post-op pain medication) — value: $240-$450
• Waived surrender fee for puppies and kittens — value: $200-$500

While contributing to breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation, this initiative also underscores our commitment to creating a more sustainable and compassionate environment for pets in need.

“Spaying helps to reduce the risk of certain health issues associated with unspayed female pets, such as uterine infections and certain types of cancer,” said Sara Sosnow, Shelter and Community Outreach Veterinarian at the APF. “Spaying also helps to curb behavioral problems like roaming and aggression, leading to happier, healthier pets and more harmonious households.”

To learn more about Fix Mom for Free or to get involved, please call Animal Protective Foundation at 518-374-3944 or email info@animalprotective.org. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of animals and our community as a whole.