HSU Tackles Drop in Spay/Neuter Rates with Increased Access to Low-Cost Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Aug. 5, 2025

Humane Society of Utah Tackles Drop in Spay/Neuter Rates with Increased Access to Low-Cost Care

Murray, Utah– As animal shelters across the country report a significant decline in the number of pets arriving already spayed or neutered, the Humane Society of Utah (HSU) is working to reverse this trend by increasing access to affordable sterilization services through its clinics in Murray​ and​ St. George​, and its Last Litter Program.

A newly released report from Shelter Animals Count shows that the percentage of animals entering U.S. shelters already spayed or neutered has dropped steadily over the past five years. In 2023, only 22.3% of dogs and 22% of cats arrived at shelters already altered, down nearly 11 percent and six percent since 2019, respectively. HSU has seen similar numbers in the animals surrendered and an increase in puppies and kittens being surrendered to the Pet Resource Center in Murray.

The report attributes the drop partly to reduced access to elective veterinary procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lasting effects now contribute to overcrowding in shelters as unaltered animals reproduce and increase intake rates. “Our clinics are seeing the long-term effects of this gap in preventive care,” said Dr. Timna Fischbein, DVM, Murray Clinic Medical Director at the Humane Society of Utah. “Spaying and neutering pets doesn’t just prevent unwanted litters, it reduces shelter intake, improves animal health, and allows shelters to focus resources on pets already in need. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to address the overpopulation crisis.”

In response, HSU continues to provide low-cost spay and neuter surgeries at its Murray and St. George locations and through the Last Litter Program. The Last Litter Program provides free sterilization for owned mother cats and dogs when their litters are surrendered for a $100 fee. The organization then spays or neuters, vaccinates, and microchips the litter before placing them up for adoption. The mother dog or cat is returned spayed to their family. These programs are essential to supporting Utah families while reducing shelter ​overcrowding across the state.

The report also found that animals altered prior to intake have shorter shelter stays, freeing up resources and improving outcomes. Animals arriving at shelters already spayed or neutered move through the system more quickly, with prealtered dogs staying an average of 4 days less and prealtered cats 11 days less than those not spayed or neutered before intake. 

“By making spay and neuter services accessible and affordable, we’re helping Utah pets stay healthy and keeping shelter populations manageable,” said Dr. Fischbein. Other organizations offering low-cost spay and neuter services along the Wasatch Front and surrounding areas include Salt Lake Spay & Neuter Clinic, Salt Lake County Animal Services, Nuzzles & Co. Community Clinic, Wasatch Community Clinic, and Operation Pawpulation.

For more information, please visit UtahHumane.org/Clinic. 

Suggested Tweet: As spay/neuter rates drop nationwide, @utahhumane expands low-cost services to combat shelter overcrowding. Clinics in Murray, St. George & the Last Litter Program aim to protect Utah pets and families. 👉 UtahHumane.org/Clinic

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About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest private animal resource center in the state, the Humane Society of Utah welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West, Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane