Humane Society Offering Low-Cost Sterilizations Next Month

In an effort to reduce the number of unwanted pets, the Hawaii Island Humane Society is offering a reduced rate for spay or neuter surgeries next month.

With the help of a PetSmart Charities grant, during the month of June HIHS will charge$20 for the first 100 sterilizations of puppies and kittens under the age of 6 months.

The organization said the special rate for the “Did You Know?” campaign is less than the organization’s normal low-cost price. It is available to all residents of the Big Island.

In keeping with the campaign’s theme, humane society officials are informing the public that kittens can go into heat and get pregnant as early as 4 months old and puppies at the age of 5 months. If not sterilized, the puppies and kittens can have a litter just two months later.

“And it’s these accidental litters that end up in animal shelters with no place to call home,” HIHS officials said.

While some pet parents may worry that their pet is too young for this procedure, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association spaying and neutering is safe and easy for kittens and puppies as young as eight to 10 weeks old.

In fact, officials noted, the Hawaii Island Humane Society has performed more than 5,000 pediatric spay/neuter surgeries since 2008.

File photo.

“Many owners put off the procedure and wait until the puppy or kitten is six to eight months old,” said Donna Whitaker, the organization’s executive director. “But by then, it can be too late. By then, a litter of puppies or kittens can be born.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit HIHS.org or call 329-1175 or the HIHS Spay Neuter Hotline at 987-7208.

Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, May 6.

Pet parents who wish to take advantage of this offer must mention the “Did You Know?” promotion when they call to schedule their appointment.