The rise of subsidized spay-neuter services has been a game-changer in reducing the heartbreaking euthanasia rates of shelter pets in the US over the past few decades. From a staggering 13.5 million in 1973, we’ve managed to bring that number down to 1.5 million by 2019, thanks to these crucial initiatives. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it threw a major wrench into the works.
Lockdown measures meant that routine procedures, including spay-neuter surgeries, were put on hold in many veterinary clinics. This had a profound impact, with a significant drop in surgeries across the board. Imagine, in April 2020 alone, there was an eye-watering 80% decrease compared to the previous year’s levels. While surgeries did start to pick up again, they never quite reached the same levels as before the pandemic.
A comprehensive study of 212 spay-neuter clinics using Clinic HQ practice management software shed light on the extent of the issue. It wasn’t just a blip on the radar – there were 190,818 fewer surgeries performed between January 2020 and December 2021 compared to what we would have expected based on previous years. That’s a huge gap that needs addressing.
The impact of this decline wasn’t uniform. Different regions felt the pinch differently, with the Midwest, Northeast, and West seeing notable decreases. And it wasn’t just about geography – dogs, geriatric animals, and unowned pets were particularly affected.
This decline isn’t just a statistical blip; it has real consequences.
We’re facing the risk of increased pet overpopulation and, tragically, more animals ending up in shelters. It’s a stark reminder of just how crucial these spay-neuter services are for our furry friends’ welfare.
Moving forward, it’s essential for veterinarians and animal welfare organizations to come together and prioritize the recovery of spay-neuter capacity.
We need to focus our efforts on those populations most at risk of unintended reproduction or finding themselves in shelters. It’s a challenging road ahead, but with collaboration and determination, we can work to ensure a brighter future for our four-legged companions.
Original Article, National Library of Medicine 9/13/2022
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9513967/?fbclid=IwAR0wjgabJBhK-DpvSAv…