By Lalinda De La Fuente

Spay week is just around the corner in South Florida. During the first week of April, free spay and neuter services will be available for cats. Eight shelters local to South Florida, including Miami-Dade Animal Services, will offer various spay and neuter programs from April 1-8. Free sterilization services for cats, two months of age and older, will only be offered on April 1-3.

The outlook, despite those that are working hard to remedy the problem, is actually somewhat grim. There are too many unwanted pets and just not enough homes. Last year, the eight shelters participating Spay Week, received nearly 105,000 animals that were either surrendered by their owners or picked up as strays! Spaying or neutering your pet helps control the pet population and helps protect pets from health problems later in life.

The goal of the participating shelters is to sterilize 500 pets during Spay Week. Help them exceed that goal by coming out and doing your part by having your feline friend (or friends) spayed or neutered for FREE.

Spay Week Miami-Dade Animal Services

What: Free spay and neuter services for cats (20 surgeries a day; first come first serve)

Where: Miami-Dade Animal Services Shelter, 7401 NW 74th Street, Miami, Florida 33166

When: April 1-3, 2008, drop off between 8 a.m.-9 a.m.

Requirements: Only up to four cats per household, two months and older. Proof of current rabies vaccination is needed for cats over four months of age. A rabies vaccination can be obtained at Animal Services for only $7. Please make sure you do not give your cat food or water after 9 p.m. the night before. There is no appointment necessary. The veterinarian may decline surgery due to health reasons. Only 20 surgeries a day on a first come first serve basis.

Photo Caption: There are literally dozens of kitten litters just like this one at Miami-Dade Animal Services. Too many pets and not enough homes has proven to be the problem.