Overpopulation is one of the leading contributors to homelessness in animals. One dog may give birth to as many as a dozen puppies every year, while a single cat may become pregnant five times in one season. This leads to a surplus of animals, many ending up in shelters.
Although the benefits of spaying and neutering pets are well-known, these services often are unaffordable for pet owners with low incomes. In response, many animal welfare organizations have collaborated with veterinarians to offer low-cost spaying and neutering clinics. Additionally, these nonprofits sometimes orchestrate catch-and-neuter programs to reduce the number of stray cats.