San Francisco SPCA Fixes Pit Bulls for Free

Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes living in the city and county of San Francisco, Calif., can now be spayed or neutered free of charge, courtesy of the San Francisco SPCA (SF/SPCA).

“Making these services accessible not only ensures that pit owners in San Francisco can stay compliant with local laws, but also aligns with our mission to save and protect animals,” Jeannette Goh, D.V.M., director of the SF/SPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic, stated in a press release.

Following the success of its “Pit Fix Month” in March – during which more than 107 procedures were performed at no cost, marking a 350-percent increase from March 2010 – the SF/SPCA decided to offer the free surgeries indefinitely.

According to the press release, the SF/SPCA has performed more than 2,000 spay/neuter procedures on dogs within the past six months. More than 14 percent have been on Pit Bulls and pit mixes, which are required by city law to be sterilized. Along with this legal requirement, “spay and neuter procedures contribute to the overall health of animals, decrease overpopulation and save both the city and its residents the costs and repercussions of unwanted litters,” states the release.

SF/SPCA Co-President Jennifer Scarlett, D.V.M., told sfgate.com, “Although the SF/SPCA is a no-kill shelter, the reality is that more than 60 percent of the dogs euthanized in San Francisco are Pit Bulls and pit mixes.”

If you live in San Francisco and want to have your Pit Bull or pit mix spayed or neutered, call SF/SPCA at 415-554-3030 to schedule an appointment. More information about this program is available on the SF/SPCA’s Pit Fix page.

PHOTO: Bukowsky18

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is senior social media writer for i Love Dogs, Inc. She does love dogs. And elephants and turtles. Along with writing about the loves of her life, Laura likes to play with her two pound pups and tell anyone who’ll listen just how awesome Pit Bulls are.