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Animal Protective Foundation Celebrates National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

February is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and the Animal Protective Foundation (APF) is marking the occasion by highlighting the profound impact spaying and neutering have on reducing pet overpopulation, improving animal health, and strengthening the human–animal bond.

As the region’s largest provider of public spay and neuter services, APF’s Community Spay/Neuter Clinic performed nearly 4,000 surgeries in 2025, offering high-quality procedures at affordable prices to pet owners throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

Before spaying and neutering became common practice, the consequences of unchecked breeding were staggering. In 1970, an estimated 15 million shelter animals were euthanized annually in the United States. By 2024, the most recent year for which national data is available from Shelter Animals Count, that number had dropped to approximately 607,000 animals. While still unacceptably high, experts agree this dramatic reduction is largely the result of widespread spay/neuter initiatives across the country.

Beyond population control, spaying and neutering provide significant health benefits for pets. Spaying female animals helps prevent uterine infections and dramatically reduces the risk of mammary tumors, while neutering males eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the likelihood of prostate disease.

The APF sees firsthand how sterilization can improve behavior and prevent pet surrender. Many unaltered animals relinquished to the shelter exhibit behaviors such as roaming, spraying, and aggression—issues that often strain the relationship between pets and their families. Spayed and neutered animals are far less likely to display these behaviors, making them easier companions and helping keep pets in their homes.

“There’s also a very real financial component,” said APF CEO, Joe Lisella. “The cost of caring for an unplanned litter, including vaccinations, food, veterinary visits, and potential medical emergencies, can easily reach thousands of dollars.”

APF’s Community Spay/Neuter Clinic specializes exclusively in these procedures, ensuring efficiency, safety, and affordability for every patient.

“We perform many thousands of surgeries each year at APF, which makes our team highly proficient with every type of sterilization—from tiny pediatric kittens to large-breed female dog spays,” said APF Veterinary Medical Director, Sara Sosnow. “Spay and neuter is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce animal overpopulation and keep pets healthy, both medically and behaviorally, while remaining accessible to the community we serve.”

There are no restrictions on who may schedule an appointment at the Community Spay/Neuter Clinic at the APF. Qualifying pet owners may also be eligible for assistance through the New York State Animal Population Control Program, which helps ensure these services remain affordable for everyone.