LEXINGTON, S.C. — Lexington County and Richland County Animal Services have partnered with Animal Mission to provide coupons for Midlands residents who want to neuter or spay their furry friends.
Lexington County Animal Services has 63 dogs and two cats ready for adoption. This voucher program was created to lower the number of strays and sheltered cats and dogs in the Midlands.
Lisa Thomas, Administrative Assistant at Lexington County Animals Services, believes that if residents took action with their animals, this could make a major difference in overpopulation in shelters.
"The key thing is the pet population," Thomas said. "There are so many animals out there and our officers are on the road picking up animals. There are so many that are lost. The shelters are overcrowded, we're extremely full. So, if everybody were to get their pets spade and neutered, it's just going to make a huge difference."
Twelve-year-old Owen Harrell and his mother grabbed two vouchers as they live on a farm and have farm dogs. Harrell believes getting his dogs fixed helps and, with the growing pet population, will provide a better chance of finding homes for pets in shelters.
"To control the growing pet population," Harrell said. "That pets here can get adopted into nice homes."
There may also be other benefits of spaying or neutering your pet. Thomas said he believes the behavior and health of a pet improve after being spayed or neutered.
"If they look at the long-term benefit of getting their pet fixed," Thomas said. "Keeps them from reproducing, to health benefits, for behavior benefits. I think that small sacrifice of just talking that extra step is going to make all the difference in the world."
The vouchers take off $55 for spaying cats and $30 for neutering cats. For dogs, it's $75 off the cost of spaying and $50 off for neutering. The Humane Society, Pets Inc., and Pawmetto Lifeline accept the vouchers, along with several privately owned clinics.
Households are limited to two vouchers every three months.
Animal Mission advised that pet owners make an appointment for surgeries before redeeming vouchers, as there is limited availability at most clinics in the Midlands.