"The solution to the pet overpopulation problem is simple," said Dr. Julie Ryan, ACS Director. "By spaying and neutering companion animals, we can make great strides toward ending unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, reducing the needless suffering that homeless animals endure, and easing the taxpayers’ burden at the same time. Last year, the Animal Care Center adopted more than 8,000 animals into new homes. Every animal was spayed or neutered before it left the Center. We’re doing our part to help solve the problem of pet overpopulation, and we ask that all residents of Orange County do the same."

As part of the Spay Day USA observance, ACS will provide a certificate for free spay or neuter services to pet owners who redeem their unaltered stray pets from the Center. These certificates will be offered while they last on a first-come, first-served basis.

Spay Day USA was created by the Doris Day Foundation in 1995 to encourage each American to help solve the country’s severe companion animal overpopulation problem by sponsoring the spay or neuter of just one animal. Nationwide, it is estimated that five million homeless dogs and cats are euthanized each year. In these cases taxpayers bear the cost of picking up homeless dogs and cats, housing and feeding them, and, in too many cases, euthanizing them.