COACHELLA – (INT) – As more pet owners shirk their responsibilities, more spay and neuter clinics are swinging into action.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) completed 539 spay and neuter surgeries for shelter and community-owned pets in one week. It is a stepped up strategy to reduce animal intake and overcrowding in shelters. Aggravating the issue there is an ongoing shortage of veterinarians nationwide.

Nearly 3 of every 4 cats and dogs that enter animal shelters are unaltered and many pet families struggle to afford services for their pets.

Meantime, the San Jacinto branch of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services reports it has reached crisis capacity.

Story Date: May 5, 2025