A State in Crisis: Survey Results on Access to Low-Cost Spay-Neuter and TNR Services in California

Between March 25 and April 7, 2025, we invited Californians to share their experiences with accessing low-cost spay-neuter and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) services. The response was overwhelming — residents from 34 counties and 97 cities generously participated, offering firsthand insight into the current state of access across the state.

What we heard was clear, urgent, and deeply troubling.

A staggering 77% of respondents rated their access to low-cost spay-neuter as either “poor” (59%) or “nonexistent” (18%). Even among those who reported some access, many clarified that it remains inaccessible due to a lack of appointments or wait times stretching up to three months or more.

Most respondents (58%) said there is no municipally funded low-cost spay-neuter or TNR program in their area. Another 26% were unsure, and only 16% confirmed the existence of such a program — highlighting widespread gaps in local support.

A strong majority — 85% — reported that access has gotten worse in recent years, reflecting a sharp decline in service availability just as need is rising.

From struggling families to seasoned rescuers, Californians described a system in crisis: unaffordable costs, months-long delays, and entire communities with no access to services at all. The stories and statistics that emerged point not just to a logistical failure, but to a growing humanitarian and animal welfare emergency.

This report brings together the data, the voices, and the lived realities of those on the front lines — in the hope of driving meaningful, systemic change. Californians are speaking out, and it’s time we listen.

It’s well known that, according to the Humane Society of the United States, Just One unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce over 11,000 puppies in a single year — and one unspayed female cat and her descendants can produce more than 60,000 kittens over a lifetime. Without intervention, the consequences of inaction are exponential.

Californians have made it clear: the crisis is here, and the need for urgent statewide action is undeniable.

What we heard was clear, urgent, and deeply troubling.

From struggling families to seasoned rescuers, respondents described a system in crisis: long wait times, skyrocketing costs, and entire regions with little to no access to affordable care. The stories and statistics that emerged reveal not just logistical challenges, but a humanitarian and animal welfare emergency. This report compiles those voices, data, and shared frustrations in the hope of driving meaningful change — because Californians are speaking out, and it’s time to listen.

Public Comments Summary: A State in Crisis, Voices from the Ground

The public responses to the spay-neuter survey paint a heartbreaking, urgent picture of a system on the brink. Across the board, Californians — from independent rescuers to overwhelmed fosters and concerned residents — voiced the same themes: skyrocketing costs, long waits, closed programs, and a profound lack of access to Low Cost services. People are desperate to help, but they’re running into wall after wall.

Veterinary costs are now so high that spaying a cat can cost up to $800 or more. Municipal programs, once a lifeline are either shut down or plagued with long waitlists and limited access. Community members say they’re forced to drive hours to find care, or pay entirely out of pocket, draining personal and rescue funds. Several spoke of being “drowned” by the number of animals needing help — especially feral cats and dumped dogs. One comment read, “We are drowning with no end in sight. And no one cares. No one who makes decisions and policies cares.”

But it’s not just about money — it’s about the moral failure of inaction. Repeatedly, respondents called out local governments for releasing unaltered animals from shelters, failing to enforce breeding laws, and turning away from the euthanasia crisis that’s now routine. “These shelters are killing hundreds of dogs weekly. They don’t have a chance for a life,” one rescuer wrote. ‘California needs mandatory free or low cost spay/neuter in areas where there’s a lot of poor people and backyard breeders. Also, mandatory spay/neuter of all pets owned by the homeless community’ another californian resident wrote.

And yet, amid the grief and frustration, there’s hope and readiness. People asked to help. They offered to lobby. They shared what’s working — from mobile clinics to school-based education — and begged for more of it. “We’re willing to get on a soapbox for this,” said one nonprofit leader. Another wrote, “We even raised $20,000 for a lobbyist. Just tell us how to help.”

From every corner of the state, the plea is the same: Make Services Affordable, Make them Accessible, and Do it Now — or the suffering will only grow.

1. Are Low Cost or Free Pets Spay-Neuter/TNR Services Available in Your City/County?

Over half of respondents (51%) reported that low-cost or free spay/neuter or TNR services are NOT available in their area. 40% said Yes, and 9% were Unsure.

2. Has Access to Spay-Neuter/TNR Gotten Worse Lately?

A strong majority (85%) said access has Gotten Worse recently, with only 9% reporting No decline and 6% are Not sure.

3. How Satisfied are you with the Availability of Low-Cost Spay-Neuter/TNR in your area? (1 being LOW, 5 being HIGH)

Most respondents (84%) are not satisfied with the availability.

4. Is there a Municipally Funded Low Cost Spay-Neuter/TNR in Your Area?

Most respondents (58%) said there is No municipally funded Low-Cost Spay-Neuter/TNR program, 26% were Unsure, and only 16% Confirmed Availability.

5. Is there a Privately Run Low-Cost Spay-Neuter/TNR Clinic in Your Area?

42% said there is a Privately run clinic, 33% said No, and 25% were Unsure.

6. Where are these Private Services Offered? (multiple choices question)

Private services are most frequently offered by Nonprofits (37%), followed by Mobile Vans (32%), Shelters (31%), and Vet clinics (29%).

7. What is the Typical Wait Time for a Spay-Neuter/TNR Appointment in your Area?

Most common wait time is 1-3 months (34%), with 27% waiting 2-4 weeks, 18% Over 3 months, and 18% saying appointments are Not available.

8. Typical Costs for Spay-Neuter/TNR in your Area?

Nearly half (42%) reported costs exceed $200-400. 15% reported costs $500-700, 23% said $100-$200, 7% reported $800+ and only 1% had access to free services.

9. What Cost Would Make Spay-Neuter/TNR More Accessible?

43% said services Under $50 would improve accessibility, followed by 27% for $50-$100 and 27% preferring Free services.

10. Rate Your Access to Low Cost Spay-Neuter/TNR

77% rated their access as either ‘Poor’ (59%) or ‘Nonexistent’ (18%). Only 6% said it was ‘Good’ and 1% ‘Excellent’.

11. Is Lack of Affordable Spay-Neuter/TNR Services a Single Most Import Driver to Pet Overpopulation?

86% believe that lack of affordable services Is the primary driver of pet overpopulation. 5% Disagreed, and 9% were Unsure.

12. Have You or Someone You Know Been Unable to Access Spay-Neuter/TNR Services Due to Any of the Following Barriers? (multiple choices question)

Top barriers include High Costs (73%), Unavailable Appointments (68%), Long Waits (64%), and Lack of Local Providers (51%).

Zip Code	City	County	Assembly District	Senate District	Are low-cost or free Pets Spay-Neuter/TNR available in your area?	Rate low-cost Spay-Neuter/TNR in your area? ( 1 -LOW, 5 -HIGH)	Has access to low-cost Spay-Neuter/TNR services gotten worse lately?	Is there a municipally funded low-cost Spay-Neuter/TNR clinic in your area?	Is there a privately run low-cost Spay-Neuter/TNR clinic in your area?	How long is the typical wait time for a Spay-Neuter/TNR appointment?	What are the typical costs for Spay-Neuter/TNR services in your area?	If cost is a barrier, what amount would make Spay-Neuter/TNR more accessible for you or your organization?	Have you or someone you know been unable to access Spay-Neuter/TNR services due to: Long wait times	Have you or someone you know been unable to access Spay-Neuter/TNR services due to: High costs	Have you or someone you know been unable to access Spay-Neuter/TNR services due to: Lack of available appointments	Rate your access to low-cost Spay- Neuter/TNR services in your area:	Do you believe that lack of affordable Spay-Neuter/TNR services is a Single Most important driver to Pets Overpopulation:
95945	Grass Valley	Nevada	1	1	Yes	3	Yes	No	Yes	Not available	Over $500	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs		Excellent	Yes
96088	Shingletown	Shasta	1	1	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	Over $500	Free		High costs		Poor	Yes
95946	Penn Valley	Nevada	1	1	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50				Good	Yes
96088	Shingletown	Shasta	1	1	Yes	1	Yes	No	No	Over 3 months	Over $200	Under $50		High costs		Poor	Yes
95928	Chico	Butte	1	3	Yes	3	No	No	Yes	1-3 months	$50-$100	Free	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Good	Yes
96122	Portola	Plumas	1	1	Yes	3	Not sure	Not sure	Not sure	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	$50-$100				Good	Yes
96137	westwood	Lassen	1	1	No	5	No	No	No	Over 3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs		Nonexistent	Yes
95945	Grass Valley	Nevada	1	1	Yes	3	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	$50-$100	$50-$100			Lack of available appointments	Fair	No
95531	Crescent city	Del Norte	2	2	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50			Lack of available appointments	Poor	May be
95403	Santa Rosa	Sonoma	2	2	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95948	Gridley	Butte	3	1	Not sure	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
96021	Corning	Tehama	3	1	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
95629	Plymouth	Amador	4	4	No	1	Yes	No	No	Not available	Over $200	Under $50				Nonexistent	Yes
95476	Sonoma	Sonoma	4	3	Yes	3	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	$50-$100	$50-$100	Long wait times			Fair	Yes
95616	Davis	Yolo	4	3	Yes	1	Not sure	Yes	Not sure	Over 3 months	$50-$100	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95125	San Jose	Santa Clara	6	28	No	1	Yes	No	Not sure	1-3 months	Over $200	Other	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95610	Citrus Heights	Sacramento	7	6	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
93643	North Fork	Madera	8	4	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
95246	Mountain Ranch	Calaveras	8	4	Yes	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	Other	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
93514	Bishop	Inyo	8	4	Yes	2	No	No	Not sure	1-3 months	Under $50	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95327	Jamestown	Tuolumne	8	4	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	Over 3 months	$100-$200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
95304	Tracy	San Joaquin	9	5	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95693	Wilton	Sacramento	9	6	Yes	2	Yes	No	Not sure	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	May be
95638	Herald	Sacramento	9	6	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Yes	1-3 months	$50-$100	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
95829	Sacramento	Sacramento	10	8	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	Over 3 months	Free	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95688	Vacaville	Solano	11	3	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	$100-$200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94534	Fairfield	Solano	11	3	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50				Nonexistent	Yes
94561	Oakley	Contra Costa	11	3	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Not sure	1-3 months	Over $200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94002	Belmont	San Mateo	12	13	Yes	2	Not sure	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	Over $200	Free	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94803	El Sobrante	Contra Costa	14	7	Yes	2	Yes	Yes	Yes	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94803	El Sobrante	Contra Costa	14	7	Yes	5	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Other	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	No
94801	Richmond	Contra Costa	14	7	Not sure	2	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Not available	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	May be
94805	Richmond	Contra Costa	14	7	Yes	2	Yes	Yes	Yes	1-3 months	$100-$200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
93240	Lake Isabella	Kern	15	12	Yes	1	No	No	Yes	1-3 months	$50-$100	Under $50	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	No
94521	Concord	Contra Costa	15	9	No	3	Yes	No	No	Not available	Other	$50-$100	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94523	Pleasant Hill	Contra Costa	15	9	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Not sure	Over 3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95016	Felton	California	17	28	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	Not available	Over $200	Free		High costs		Poor	Yes
94127	SanFrancisco	San Francisco	17	11	Not sure	2	Not sure	Not sure	Not sure	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Free	Long wait times	High costs		Poor	May be
94127	San Francisco	San Francisco	17	11	Not sure	2	Not sure	Not sure	Not sure	Less than 2 weeks	Over $200	Free				Fair	May be
94501	Alameda	Alameda	18	7	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Free	Long wait times	High costs		Poor	Yes
93550	Palmdale	Los Angeles	19	39	Yes	4	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	1-3 months	$50-$100	Under $50			Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
95319	Empire	Stanislaus	22	4	Not sure	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs		Poor	Yes
95350	Modesto	Stanislaus	22	4	No	1	Yes	No	No	Not available	Over $200	Under $50		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
93036	Oxnard	Ventura	22	38	Not sure	4	Yes	Yes	Yes	1-3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Good	Yes
95322	Gustine	Merced	22	14	No	1	No	No	No	Not available	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	No
95008	Campbell	Santa Clara	23	13	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Yes	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
95132	San Jose	Santa Clara	24	10	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94555	Fremont	Alameda	24	10	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	May be
94539	Fremont	Alameda	24	10	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	$50-$100		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
95127	San Jose	Santa Clara	25	15	Not sure	1	Yes	Not sure	Yes	Over 3 months	Over $200	Under $50		High costs		Poor	Yes
95126	San Jose	Santa Clara	25	15	No	1	No	No	Yes	Not available	Over $200	Free		High costs		Poor	Yes
95111	San Jose	Santa Clara	25	15	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Yes	Not available	Over $200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	No
95136	SAN JOSE	Santa Clara	25	15	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	Over $200	Under $50		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
95112	San Jose	Santa Clara	25	15	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	Not available	$50-$100	$50-$100	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94087	sunnyvale	Santa clara	26	10	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95128	San Jose	Santa Clara	26	15	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94089	Sunnyvale	Santa Clara	26	10	Yes	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	$100-$200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94089	Sunnyvale	Santa Clara	26	10	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	$100-$200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
94085	Sunnyvale	Santa Clara	26	10	Yes	1	No	Yes	Yes	Not available	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95340	Merced	Merced	27	27	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95341	Merced	Merced	27	14	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95032	Los Gatos	Santa Clara	28	13	No	1	Yes	No	No	Not available	Other	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs		Nonexistent	Yes
95033	Los Gatos	Santa Clara	28	15	Yes	2	Yes	Yes	No	1-3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs		Fair	Yes
1230 Madera Road	Simi Valley	Ventura	28	15	Yes	5	No	Yes	Yes	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	$50-$100				Excellent	Yes
95120	San Jose	Santa Clara	28	28	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
95118	San Jose	Santa clara	28	15	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
93543	Littlerock	Los Angeles	29	39	Not sure	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Not available	Over $200	Under $50		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	May be
165 Marie Way	Santa Cruz	Santa Cruz	30	17	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs		Good	Yes
95062	Santa Cruz	Santa Cruz	30	17	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	$50-$100	Free	Long wait times	High costs		Fair	Yes
93292	visalia	Tulare	32	12	No	1	Yes	No	Not sure	2-4 weeks	$50-$100	Under $50			Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
93555	Ridgecrest	Kern County	32	32	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50			Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
93235	Ivanhoe	Tulare	33	12	No	1	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not available	Under $50	Under $50	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92307	Apple Valley	San Bernardino	34	19	Yes	2	Yes	Not sure	Yes	Over 3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	May be
93536	Lancaster	Los Angeles	34	23	No	1	Yes	No	No	Not available	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
92311	Barstow	San Bernardino	34	19	No	1	Yes	No	Not sure	2-4 weeks	Other	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
91390	Santa Clarita	Los Angeles	34	23	Yes	3	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	No
93536	Lancaster	Los Angeles	34	23	No	1	Yes	No	No	Over 3 months	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs		Poor	Yes
92311	Barstow	San Bernardino	34	19	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs		Nonexistent	May be
92314	Big Bear City	San Bernardino	34	19	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Yes	Over 3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92311	Barstow	San Bernardino	34	19	No	1	Yes	No	Not sure	Not available	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
92311	Barstow	San Bernardino	34	19	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs		Nonexistent	Yes
93536	Lancaster	Los Angeles	34	23	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Yes	1-3 months	$50-$100	Free	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92201	Indio	Riverside	36	18	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	1-3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92201	Indio	Riverside	36	18	No	5	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs		Nonexistent	Yes
92203	Indio	Riverside	36	18	Yes	1	Not sure	Not sure	Yes	Not available	Under $50	Free				Poor	Yes
92203	Indio	Riverside	36	18	No	1	Yes	Not sure	No	1-3 months	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs		Poor	Yes
92201	Indio	Riverside	36	18	Yes	2	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	2-4 weeks	Other	Free	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92109	San Diego	San Diego	77	38	Yes	4	No	Yes	Yes	2-4 weeks	$50-$100	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Good	Yes
93534	Lancaster	Los Angeles	39	23	Yes	4	Yes	Not sure	Yes	Less than 2 weeks	Over $500	$50-$100		High costs		Fair	Yes
93553	Pearblossom	Los Angeles	39	23	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	1-3 months	$50-$100	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
93550	Palmdale	Los Angeles	39	23	Yes	2	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
93535	Lancaster	Los Angeles	39	23	No	2	Yes	No	No	Over 3 months	$100-$200	Free		High costs		Poor	Yes
93534	Lancaster	Los Ángeles	39	23	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	Under $50	Free		High costs		Poor	Yes
91421	Newhall	Los Angeles	40	23	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	$100-$200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
91104	Pasadena	Los Angeles	41	25	No	1	Yes	No	No	Not available	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs		Nonexistent	Yes
91107	Pasadena	Los Angeles	41	25	Yes	2	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
91402	Panorama City	Los Angeles	43	20	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Yes	Over 3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
91364	Woodland Hills	Los Angeles	46	27	Yes	3	Yes	Yes	Yes	1-3 months	Under $50	Free			Lack of available appointments	Good	Yes
91335	Reseda	Los Angeles	46	20	Yes	3	Yes	Not sure	Yes	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	$50-$100	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
92264	Palm Springs	Riverside	47	19	Yes	3	Yes	Not sure	Yes	1-3 months	Over $200	Free				Fair	Yes
92256	Morongo Valley	San Bernardino	47	19	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	Over 3 months	$50-$100	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92253	La quinta	Riverside	47	19	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	No	Not available	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92253	La Quinta	Riverside	47	19	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	Under $50	Free			Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92284	Yucca Valley	San Bernardino	47	19	Not sure	2	Yes	Not sure	Yes	Over 3 months	$50-$100	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92253	La Quinta	Riverside	47	19	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Yes	Over 3 months	Under $50	Free	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92270	Rancho Mirage	Riverside	47	19	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	2-4 weeks	Under $50	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	Yes
92223	Cherry valley	Riverside	47	19	No	1	Yes	Not sure	Yes	Not available	Over $200	Free		High costs		Nonexistent	Yes
92253	la quinta	Riverside	47	19	Yes	1	Yes	No	Yes	Over 3 months	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92253	La Quinta	Riverside	47	19	Yes	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Not available	$100-$200	Free			Lack of available appointments	Poor	May be
92253	Laquinta	Riverside	47	19	No	1	Yes	No	No	Over 3 months	Over $200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92549	Idyllwild	Riverside	47	32	No	3	No	Not sure	No	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	$50-$100		High costs		Fair	Yes
92220	Banning	Riverside	47	19	Yes	1	Not sure	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	$50-$100	Under $50	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	May be
91746	La Puente	Los Angeles	48	30	Not sure	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	Over 3 months	$100-$200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
90025	Los Angeles	Los Angeles	51	24	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Yes	1-3 months	$800+	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
91762	Ontario	San Bernardino	53	22	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	No	Less than 2 weeks	$100-$200	Free		High costs		Fair	Yes
3734 Clarington Ave	Los Angeles	Los Angeles	55	28	Not sure	2	Not sure	Not sure	Not sure	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs		Fair	Yes
PO Box 10085	Marina del Rey	Los Angeles	55	28	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	Over $200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	May be
92807	Anaheim	Orange	59	37	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	Over $200	Under $50		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	No
92821	Brea	Orange	59	30	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92567	Nuevo	Riverside	60	31	Yes	3	No	Yes	Not sure	Less than 2 weeks	Free	$50-$100				Good	Yes
92869	Norco	Riverside	63	63	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	Less than 2 weeks	$100-$200	Under $50		High costs		Poor	Yes
90502	Torrance	Los Angeles	65	35	Yes	1	Yes	Yes	Not sure	1-3 months	Other	Free	Long wait times		Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
90744	Wilmington	Los Angeles	65	35	Yes	1	Yes	No	No	Not available	Over $200	Other			Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
90278-2738	Redondo Beach	Los Angeles	66	24	Yes	2	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	$100-$200	$50-$100	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
90630	Cypress	Orange	67	36	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs		Nonexistent	Yes
92868	Orange	Orange	68	34	No	1	Yes	No	Not sure	Not available	Over $200	$50-$100		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
90806	Long Beach	Los Angeles	69	33	No	1	Yes	Yes	Yes	1-3 months	$100-$200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
90745	Carson	Los Angeles	69	35	No	3	No	Yes	No	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50		High costs	Lack of available appointments	Fair	May be
90805	Long Beach	Los Angeles	69	33	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	Over $200	Under $50		High costs		Poor	Yes
92708	Fountain Valley	Orange	70	36	No	1	Yes	No	No	1-3 months	Over $200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92688	Rancho Santa Margarita	Orange	71	38	No	1	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92653	Laguna Hills	Orange	72	38	No	1	Yes	No	No	Not available	Over $200	Under $50				Nonexistent	Yes
92647	Huntington Beach	Orange	72	36	Yes	2	Yes	No	Yes	1-3 months	Over $200	Under $50		High costs		Poor	Yes
92627	Costa Mesa	Orange	73	37	Not sure	1	Yes	No	Not sure	Not available	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92627	Costa Mesa	Orange	73	37	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	Free	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92677	Laguna Niguel	Orange	74	37	No	1	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Other	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Nonexistent	Yes
92065	Ramona a	San Diego	75	40	Yes	3	Yes	No	No	2-4 weeks	$100-$200	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs	Lack of available appointments	Poor	Yes
92009	Carlsbad	San Diego	77	38	Not sure	1	Yes	Not sure	Not sure	1-3 months	Over $500	Under $50	Long wait times	High costs		Poor	Yes
92120	San Diego	San Diego	78	39	No	2	Not sure	Not sure	Not sure	2-4 weeks	Over $200	Under $50				Nonexistent	Yes

Voices from the Front Lines

Below are direct quotes from survey respondents across California — rescuers, fosters, community members, and advocates who care deeply about the animals in their regions. Their words reflect the urgency, heartbreak, and determination behind this crisis.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to respond. Your voices matter, and they must be heard. Please share these stories far and wide — California’s animals are counting on us.

“I love Sammie’s Friends but we are overwhelmed up here in Nevada County- crazy amount of puppies lately..dumped dogs..help.”

Grass Valley/Nevada County/Assembly District 1/Senate District 1/Tamar S

“Our clinic does wonderful work but they are only open on weekends and this is due to the lack of vets available. We desperately need more vets that can just do spay and neuters in large numbers.”

Chico/Butte County/Assembly District 1/Senate District 3/Suzanna M

“The only available services are vouchers from the humane society for spay and neuter assistance, $120 females and males $80 but the bill for a spay can still be around $250 after the voucher. The humane society had a grant last year for $150k which helped with 1300 procedures. This year will rely solely on our fundraising efforts and will have to dramatically reduce services.”

Westwood/—/Assembly District 1/Senate District 1/Breanna G

“There is definitely a vet shortage. As a local Humane society, we drive hours to clinics out of our area for spay/neuter.”

Crescent City/Del Norte County/Assembly District 2/Senate District 2/Danielle L

“Dogwood Animal Rescue has 18 affordable spay/neuter partnerships throughout California and last year alone we funded 11,182 surgeries. We need more help, more resources and more funding to curb this overpopulation crisis. We are willing to get on a soapbox for this issue.”

Santa Rosa/Sonoma County/Assembly District 2/Senate District 2/Colleen B

“There used to be limited programs for spay/Neuter pre-covid and wait times were minimal. The colonies I managed were mostly under control. Now there is nothing in Tehama County and TNR trappers like myself are seeing the effects. There are so many feral cats in the community and simply no help. The dog situation is not much better. Our shelter is always over capacity. Puppies are being dumped on the sides of roads. Dogs are being abandoned and some have started attacking livestock. It is becoming a dangerous situation.”

Corning/Tehama County/Assembly District 3/Senate District 1/Marnie B

“Municipal shelters should spay and neuter all trapped cats whether they have an appointment or not. Trappers do not know when exactly they will trap a stray cat”

San Jose/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 6/Senate District 28/Christina C

“Low cost accessible spay and neuter would save pets from suffering and money in the long run by not having to deal with so many homeless and unwanted animals. Better, cheaper, more humane to be proactive than reactive to the problem of pet overpopulation.”

North Fork/Madera County/Assembly District 8/Senate District 4/Kevin M

“We have only 2 programs, both private, for the entire county: ICARE and Feral Cat Care of Owens Valley. ICARE pays for dogs and cats so dogs seem to get the fastest response time. FCCOV was started by a private individual in a smaller town 60 miles away and she works to support her cause – she does only cats so her response times are better but the number of slots is quite limited. Also, neither of our two vet clinics accepts drop in cases unlike Dr. Sexton of Sierra Veterinary Clinic – she understood the unpredictability of trapping.”

Bishop/Inyo County/Assembly District 8/Senate District 4/Susan O

“There are only 2 in the county. ACT is a little cheaper but long wait, Pet Advocate is still too expensive especially if you’re bringing in feral cats.”

Tracy/San Joaquin County/Assembly District 9/Senate District 5/Linda W

“Long wait times and availability seems to be a barriers. If you trap a cat, there is no way you will know when you will get it. I was shocked to be turned away from the sspca because they had a limit per day. There needs to be other options rather than the limited number of clinics.”

Herald/Sacramento County/Assembly District 9/Senate District 6/Linda S

“Like I stated above, rescues and private citizens should not be finamcially responsible for the over abundance of unwanted cats in our community. Municipal shelters are collecting tax dollars yet. They are turning people away at the door. Every day I get emails from people telling me they have a pregnant cat and the shelter told them to let it loose. Who in their right mind would ever give that kind of directive? Especially someone in the animal community! They are even telling people to let dogs go if they find them. It is the most archaic backwards, Third World country way of thinking. I can’t believe it. I’ve been doing rescue over 40 years and I have never seen anything as bad as what we are experiencing now. It’s getting worse every day. We are drowning with no end in sight. And no one cares! No one who makes decisions and policies cares!”

Sacramento/Sacramento County/Assembly District 10/Senate District 8/Barbara D

“Our county shelter tries to help but needs a veterinarian on staff.”

Fairfield/Solano County/Assembly District 11/Senate District 3/Nicole L

“Before Covid we had more options available, now they are almost non-existent. There is no way to keep populations down when neighbors won’t fix the animals they feed. If I can trap it, it gets fixed. When they get injured/killed no one will come out to pick them up, so I don’t bother to try.”

Oakley/Contra Costa County/Assembly District 11/Senate District 3/Yvonne

“First I want to say is, laws must be passed for TNR community cats to be treated as a protected species and neighborhoods educated about living with community TNR cats . Otherwise the cats are sitting ducks. With clipped ear tips made them a target for torture and killing by sick adults and sick teenagers who hate cats , or want to have fun by unleashing their dogs on cats . Its obvious that veterinary services are becoming a racket with the wrong ppl, with the wrong goal making health decisions . Not giving the consumer treatment options . Spending less time ordering the most expensive tests . A routine vet visit has turned into an emergency room visit . How can a procedure for spay and neuter be no more than $100.00 one day and overnight become $1,000.00 the next day with all vets in the same areas ? The procedure is the same , unless complications set in , the amount of time should be the same spent doing the procedure as usual . One of my greatest concerns with TNR and mandatory spaying when adopting is , when is enough , enough . Before we extinct a species or make a pet rare and too expensive to have and care for ?

In this county you can pay as much as $800.00 to $1,000 to spay or neuter one cat, at corporate operated vets that the insurance companies working with big pharma and pet food stores are taking over private vet practices Along with all pet related medical and treatment services at these places . They charge 3× more for any medications .

The county shelter has spay and neuter for a price . It Was on a scale from 60.00 on up . They had TNR with a small private 501.c group , for a short time , that was managed very well by Julie Linford and her partner Cathy . Some sort of stupid dispute (not animal related )between them and the shelter administrator . The administrator shut the entire TNR program down . Now the shelter picks up the strays and ferals, if not claimed in three days , they’re euthanized . They might even be sold to labs , who knows ? I hope not .

I personally believe all the government funding that goes to these horrifying animal experimentation labs should be directed toward animal welfare .Funding shelters to non kill animals and build ranch style no kill rescues for ferals and cats that have been on the adoption circuit for a lengthy time that haven’t had the luck or right location exposure to find a forever home , instead of being euthanized . 3 or 4 ranches for cats in larger states .and 3 or 4 separate ranches in the larger states for dogs .we spend billions a year funding cruel , torturous and murdering innocent puppies ,kittens, cats and dogs making some of them spending a lifetime enduring the suffering in medical testing and experimentation in labs psychotic deprived researchers , and other cruel deprived ideas and intentions toward these animals. Seems we have tax dollars that could be better spent other than wasted on bs.”

El Sobrante/Contra Costa County/Assembly District 14/Senate District 7/Renee

“CoCo County is a huge county. A mobile clinic that comes to different areas across the county would be AMAZING. Also more appointments at Animal Fix Clinic and at CCAS or subsidized appts at vets throughout the county would be fantastic. Please make it happen, for the love of animals. We are drowning here.”Richmond/Contra Costa County/Assembly District 14/Senate District 7/Alina C

“Pet owners need to be educated about proper animal care. Irresponsible pet owners need to be held accountable for their actions. Veterinary schools should be more affordable and plentiful. There is a severe shortage of veterinarians.”

Lake Isabella/Kern County/Assembly District 15/Senate District 12/Yvonne P

“I’m also very close to Los Angeles, Kern county, San Bernardino, Riverside And that is where the help is really needed! I think they need to follow what Ventura and Santa Barbara are doing!”

Oxnard/Ventura County/Assembly District 22/Senate District 38/Melissa G

“I have done rescue work in several areas of California and was appalled by the lack of services here. All of the shelters in this area are full most of the time and have to start euthanizing. There are several rescue groups, but they are small and can’t handle the animals that are regularly dumped. There are many people doing backyard breeding and they aren’t being regulated. There are many cat colonies, but no TNR, and those that have tried to get funding for it, have been turned down. It needs to change. The entire system needs to change. No animal should have to spend more than 30 days in an animal shelter, they should be going to rescues that have space, fosters, and Veterinary help. We need to be helping to fund those that want to start rescues and sanctuaries! It was my dream to start a sanctuary, but without funding, I cannot.”

Gustine/Merced County/Assembly District 22/Senate District 14/Rebecca F

“I think that lack of affordable Spay-Neuter/TNR services is a *second* Most important driver to Pets Overpopulation: the first one is EDUCATION on the topic. So many people don’t even know that they should do spay and neuter. This gets passed on generationally especially amongst non native speakers or low income homes. Children should be taught in school about how to properly care for pets which includes spay neuter.”

Campbell/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 23/Senate District 13/Amanda F

“The stray and feral overpopulation is out of control! It is unreasonable and unfair to expect private citizens and rescues to cover all the costs. The euthanasia rate is also off the charts, offering free TNR and low cost spay/neuter for pets works!”

San Jose/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 24/Senate District 10/Kathy P

“There is only one high volume SX clinic in Fremont and it is not very cheap. The city shelter offers no TNR or spay neuter for the community.”

Fremont/Alameda County/Assembly District 24/Senate District 10/Yurika V

“I would love to be involved in lobbying for this. Please contact me.”

San Jose/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 25/Senate District 15/Julianne O

“Lack of good management at city shelters has also caused vet’s to leave shelters causing lower power for TNR and other services.”

San Jose/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 25/Senate District 15/Faatemeh L

“There needs to be availability to very low cost spay/neutered for all And information to use the service advertised to all. There used to be a $25 voucher you could take to certain vets to get animals either feral or your own for low income families. This has disappeared and the burden is on the shelters who are severely understaffed. I am a foster to neo kittens so am familiar with the shelter but have a feral male cat to get fixed and I do not have a place available to take him. It’s sad. There needs to be a change so ANYONE can get their animal fixed quickly, low cost or even free, and that everyone is aware of the service. Only this will help stop this overpopulation.”

San Jose/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 26/Senate District 15/Joleen D

“It has to stop in the field through robust TNR/spay neuter programs to decrease the animals in the shelter. It has to stop in the field before we can decrease the animals in the shelters”

Sunnyvale/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 26/Senate District 10/Diane F

“We don’t have enough resources. My nonprofit probably does the most pet spay/neuter of any nonprofit or shelter in the South Bay Area (300-400 pet cats per year). We do not charge but ask people to donate $50-100 and we pay over $200 per cat. Without us there are zero resources for pets under $300 within hours. Besides a few cities that can use SVACA for $200. We need to fund the little organizations that do spay/neuter to ensure money is actually going to spay/neuter. Large shelters here do not prioritize spay/neuter and do not have pet programs, so giving them more money is not going to help the availability of spay/neuter appointments. People have lost hope to try to TNR cats they feed because of too many hurdles. We need open intake shelters, pet spay/neuter programs, and TNR programs with every day drop off for feral cats. Ignoring the problem through managed intake means every year we need more and more spay/neuter.”

Sunnyvale/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 26/Senate District 10/Vanessa F

“I’m an independent rescuer -I pay all expenses out of pocket, and I rarely charge an adoption fee that covers much of what I spend on each rescue- so low cost is just vital to me! But the low cost in my area is still pretty high , I have to drive an hour or so to get better pricing.”

Los Gatos/Santa Clara County/Assembly District 28/Senate District 15/Sue

“I recently found out that our local vet charges $585 for a cat spay. The shelter has a “low” cost of $150 which even that people can’t afford. They no longer offer any no cost options except a private non-profit provides free spay/neuter for feral cats. Given that Santa Cruz County has had mandatory spay/neuter for over 20 years but no services to ensure it happens.”

Santa Cruz/Santa Cruz County/Assembly District 30/Senate District 17/Annette H

“We need FREE SPAY AND NEUTER STATEWIDE IN CALIFORNIA. The overpopulation problem has overwhelmed our shelters, rescues, and community members. Dogs and cats are dying in our shelters, dying in the streets, in our deserts, whole packs of dogs are forming and attacking farms and livestock. This problem is so invasive, studies have shown even with free spay neuter it will take us 13 years to get it under control. The lack of attention to this matter is blatant and Heinous. Taxpayers are footing the bill towards a failed system that will never work without free access to spay and neuter.”

Ridgecrest/Kern County/Assembly District 32/Senate District 32/Gail V

“There is virtually none here I was barely able to get in to spca it cost me 120$ for a feral kitten I found I am on Ss I barely scratch by”

Ivanhoe/Tulare County/Assembly District 33/Senate District 12/Janet S

“Please help. The problem is becoming overwhelming. Just driving to work I see animals that are clearly suffering and abandoned here in the Antelope Valley.”

Lancaster/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 34/Senate District 23/Heather W

“Low cost spay/neuter is not necessarily the answer to overpopulation. FOLLOW THE MONEY! Just look at Craigslist and you’ll see the majority of pet sales are NOT ACCIDENTAL LITTERS AND HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH LACK OF SPAY/NEUTER RESOURCES.

Overpopulation is actually based on INCOME TAX EVASION! People are purposefully breeding for tax free income. Go after the income tax evasion and you’ll solve the problem.”

Santa Clarita/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 34/Senate District 23/Andria W

“This is a country wide problem, but funding for programs would help”

Barstow/San Bernardino County/Assembly District 34/Senate District 19/Donna L

“Overpopulation , people don’t have enough affordable care vets.”

Indio/Riverside County/Assembly District 36/Senate District 18/Casme M

“TNR services are excellent. Services for owned pets could be much improved through the municipal shelter. The program is almost always on hold.”

San Diego/San Diego County/Assembly District 38/Senate District 77/Emma H

“I am hoping there will be more of an emphasis to pet overpopulation in the near future. It is unbelievably heartbreaking to watch how many dogs get loose, go to the shelter, and have to be put down to the population in our area. This is a massive issue and it’s horrible to watch from afar. If access was easier and more affordable for most families in the AV, the issue may be able to be addressed.”

Lancaster/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 39/Senate District 23/Ashley

“There should be mobile free services going to homeless encampment providing free spay and neuter to all..vets should do pro bono spay and neuters to do business in the AV…for homeless or low income.. this is going to help, but a mobile clinic is a MUST to see population drop”

Pearblossom/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 39/Senate District 23/Laura S

“Theres too many dogs being killed at the shelters especially where i live times are tough alot of people cant afford the surgery”

Lancaster/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 39/Senate District 23/Rosa P

“It must be more widely available and affordable to ALL communities”

Newhall/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 40/Senate District 23/Gina M

“It’s practically impossible to access low cost spay/neuter in the entire Los Angeles area. Last year I rescued a dog that was part of a hoarding situation in Fawnskin. The dog was taken to Devore Animal Shelter and surprisingly this public shelter adopted him out without neutering him first. They got away with it by offering a refund of $150.00 if we provided paperwork proving that we neutered him. After exhausting all of our options trying to find the so called free or low cost spay neuter, we ended up paying around $700.00 for his surgery and trust me we tried everything and this was the least expensive we could find. Despite the fact that we paid for it we understand the vast majority of people cannot afford to do that! It’s unbelievable that public rescues are allowed to adopt pets out without fixing them first offering a ridiculous refund that doesn’t even begin to cover the costs while knowing of course that the vast majority of people will not fix their pets or will at least postpone it prompting accidents to occur. This way even the public shelters know that they are contributing to the pets overpopulation problem. It is shameful that being part of a State that is so rich and that charges the most expensive taxes in the entire USA the amount of money destined for companion animals is so low. I urge the State and the legislators to do their jobs specially considering that fixing pets are way less expensive than dealing with the consequences of not fixing them, not to mention all the pain and suffering that the poor pets are enduring, spending days locked in a kennel only to end up being euthanized after some days. What’s happening in this country is unacceptable and killing adoptable innocent pets, including pregnant mommas and puppies cannot be the only solution that this country has to offer. I urge you to act on their behalf and on behalf of so many of your constituents that are also distraught watching the slaughter of companion animals. Thank you.”

Pasadena/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 41/Senate District 25/Reneta

“Please look into Los Angeles City/County as there are many issues especially homeless abusing animals”

Pasadena/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 41/Senate District 25/Kim S

“I have been in animal rescue and TNR work for over 20 years – specifically with the homeless cat population in Los Angeles County. When the city put a ban on TNR for feral cat colonies to “save the birds” – it made our rescue work even harder and the number of cats living on the street increased but an alarming amount. TNR is this area is the ONLY way option for population management and if more veterinarians offered LOW COST spay/neuter services to the public we would not have this crisis.”

Woodland Hills/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 46/Senate District 27/Michele G

“California needs mandatory free or low cost spay/neuter in areas where there’s alot of poor people and backyard breeders. Also, mandatory spay/neuter of all pets owned by the homeless community.”

Reseda/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 46/Senate District 20/Cindy E

“As founder of the spay neuter imperative project California, I spoke with so many people, young and old, that had no idea about the euthanasia rates. I sat down at a bar with a woman that appeared to be over 80 and wealthy. I started speaking to her about the spay neuter project and the amount of animals being destroyed weekly. She said, “are they still doing that?”. The words ” Shelter” and “euthanasia” mask the problem.

Once I informed them of the situation, they immediately understood. I think it’s a fallacy that Mexican people like testicles on their dogs. They are intelligent people.”

Palm Springs/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Carole H

“It saves money in the longer term!”

La Quinta/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Lori

“I am a foster mom for dogs at Coachella Valley Animal Campus (CVAC) with the budget they have ALL animals in their care should be spayed or neutered upon entry into the shelter system. I had to advocate in order to get my foster dogs neutered. That should have been a service freely offered.”

La Quinta/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Jenny V

“Need free clinics with plenty of access, especially in low income areas. Need mandatory spay/neuter laws.”

La Quinta/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Jackie J

“These shelters are killing hundreds of dogs weekly. They don’t have a chance for a life.”

Cherry Valley/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Mary H

“Yes please! We are a dog/cat advocate organization with well over 100 members in Riverside County who want to help you get the California Spay Neuter Fund passed!

Please tell us how we can help you to get this passed! We even collected funds for a lobbyist, but were told that this would not help. Please contact me so we can discuss and you can advise us how we can help you to get this passed.

They advised me about your petition and proposed legislation and encouraged me to contact you to offer our help in any way we can. We will wait with enthusiasm to hear from you as soon as possible.

Regards, No Name Animal Gang, Palm Desert, California (we are still working on an official name)”

La Quinta/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Chris J

“Though I do not require this service, many in Riverside County do based on the amount of surrenders or dumped animals that rescue groups take in.”

La Quinta/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Kathy M

“California the highest Euthanasia of shelter animals in the country”

La Quinta/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Macaria B

“I am the director of a 501c dog/cat rescue. This rescue regularly holds fundraisers to be able to help local residents afford spay/neuter. In addition to rescues/adoptions, raising money for alterations is what occupies our time.”

Idyllwild/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 32/Janice M

“People in my town are poor and uneducated. I think culturally they don’t spay and neuter, and let their pets roam freely to some extent. It’s a real problem. I wish there were more educational opportunities to share with them.”

Banning/Riverside County/Assembly District 47/Senate District 19/Rebecca C

“Glad this is being addressed way past due and the greed of vets is astounding in the face of this crisis.”

Los Angeles/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 51/Senate District 24/Cynthia L

“There are many options available, but your survey is confusing because some free or very low-cost options are available to owners/residents that aren’t available to us in the rescue world. So when you ask me what the typical cost is, the amount varies from a private vet for $750, to a non-profit clinic we use (CAMPLA.ORG) that costs $225, to a free voucher program from LA Animal Services, that is only available to low-income owners, also other clinics that do $50 s/n for owners only. We need more availability to move faster, and more facilities that are closer to where the people are. CAMP LA has a great setup and they should be funded to open more locations and increase capacity. Also, I recently learned that some govt shelters release animals intact! This should not be allowed. No matter how an animal got to the shelter, it should be required to s/n before release, to anyone. I thought this was already the law but I guess that’s only LA City. Also backyard breeding should be illegal everywhere, and funding and resources made available to enforce it. Also animal abuse must be easier for the public to report and get enforcement.”

Marina del Rey/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 55/Senate District 28/Andy P

“We need to have low cost spay/neuter as the cost is outrageous. We as a rescue only have so much money and this limits what we can do. Even if tbe vet offers rescue discounts it’s still almost $200. And individuals owners don’t so it cause it cost so much. A spay can run almost $400 at the low end at some places”

Anaheim/Orange County/Assembly District 59/Senate District 37/Kristen M

“Need a Mobile Clinic in the South Bay Area – Harbor Park parking lot would be ideal.”

Torrance/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 65/Senate District 35/Fina

“Educate in schools about animal husbandry and animal advocacy”

Long Beach/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 69/Senate District 33/Ewa

“It is mostly the city residents that don’t bother to sp/n feral or stray cat population especially. There needs to be a unifying process for all to take part in. Not just the few that care”

Carson/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 69/Senate District 35/Jasmine

“I really wish there was more spay and neutering services for feral cats and even domestic cats and dogs it will help with the population problem . Nearby places I’ve called want $220 for a feral cat. Even with a voucher you still have to pay out of pocket. Long Beach gives $100 vouchers but the cheapest place is camp clinic in San Pedro and the price just went up 2025 ($40) there’s to many feral cats to pay for and feed. They should do this service to take away the problem”

Long Beach/Los Angeles County/Assembly District 69/Senate District 33/Melanie P

“Orange County Animal Control GOT RID OF THE TNR PROGRAM”

Huntington Beach/Orange County/Assembly District 72/Senate District 36/Daniela H

“Low-cost spay/neuter services are non-existent in South Orange County. As a rescue organization, our vet costs have more than tripled since 2021. We’ve had to cut back on the amount of felines we can take in due to rising vet costs. We have nowhere to send people to spay/neuter community cats. The one low-cost spay/neuter clinic in our area was sold to new owners 2 years ago and the new owners changed their model and did away with the previous owner’s low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

We’ve tried working with our local shelter to see if we could get spay/neuter discount vouchers for the felines we pull from their facility but they only directed us to a supposed low-cost spay/neuter clinic they partner with. That clinic does not work with rescues, and for owned pets the clinic requires current vaccinations and exam before spay/neuter which jacks up the price and is essentially unaffordable for Pet owners and unfeasible for community cats. Some rescues in our area have the resources to drive to Mexico for spay/neuters.”

Laguna Niguel/Orange County/Assembly District 74/Senate District 74/Amber H

“We are San Diego county. They contract with SDHS. Who do not offer S/N. They follow the UcDavis Community Cat Model which is abuse. SDHS is for the most part a money grubbing organization who does care about S/n. A low or no cost will help. I pay to help local families who find pets who cannot afford to have them. They are happy to take them to the appointments and do the work, even when appointments end up overbooked and they need to come back a second time as a priority. I believe in my heart that low or (no cost in middle to low income) is one of the major ways out of this crisis. I know it is worse in San Bernardino. SBC is adopting unsterilized dogs with 100 credits and no follow up. I will follow you and see how I can help”

Ramona/San Diego County/Assembly District 75/Senate District 40/Judith S

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