FEBRUARY 2025
THE PAWPRINT
Arlington Animal Services Center Newsletter
Shelter Spotlight
Spay / Neuter Awareness
February is recognized as Spay and Neuter Awareness Month . This month we want to shine a spotlight on this very important topic to educate the public about the benefits of spaying and neutering while also bringing awareness to the pet overpopulation problems shelters across the country are faced with .
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association , having your pets spayed or neutered not only prevents unwanted litters but also sets your pet up for a longer life . Health benefits include prevention of a uterine infections in females , while also reducing their overall risk of breast cancer . Neutering males can eliminate their risk of testicular cancer while also reducing their risk of developing enlarged prostate glands . Altering your pet is also a great way to curb nuisance behaviors . The Humane Society of the United States informs pet owners about the perks of spaying and neutering your pets . Intact male dogs are more prone to urine marking than neutered dogs and neutering male cats solves more than 90 % of all marking issues , even in cats who have been doing it for a period of time . Spaying and neutering pets can also minimize howling , the urge to roam , and fighting with other males .
Shelters , just like ours , are struggling with higher intakes of homeless pets and fewer adoptions ; fosters and rescue partners are unable to keep up with the pace . In 2024 , Arlington Animal Services took in 4,775 lost pets and 1,234 owner surrendered pets . Spaying and neutering your pets directly helps pet overpopulation problems in our city , state , and across the country .
Did you know there is a low-cost spay and neuter clinic right here in Arlington ? Texas Coalition for Animal Prevention is a non-profit organization whose goal is to end pet euthanasia in area shelters by providing essential services to pet owners in need at a low cost . To learn more about TCAP and the services they provide , visit www . texasforthem . org / arlington .
Arlington Animal Services also offers a Feral Cat Spay / Neuter Clinic once a month for feral and community cats in our city . Read on to learn more .
Sources and more information visit : www . avma . org www . humanesociety . org
Save the Date
FEBUARY EVENTS & HOLIDAYS !
FEBRUARY 1 Petco Mobile Adoption Event FEBRUARY 2 Groundhog Day FEBRUARY 8
Paws at The Parks Mall Mobile Adoption Event
FEBRUARY 9
Feral Cat Sunday Super Bowl Sunday
FEBRUARY 14 Valentine ’ s Day FEBRUARY 15
Mobile Adoption Event Starbucks on Matlock Road
FEBRUARY 17
President ' s Day Shelter Closed
FEBRUARY 20 Love Your Pet Day FEBRUARY 22
Mobile Adoption Event at PetSmart in The Highlands
FEBRUARY 23 National Dog Biscuit Day FEBRUARY 25 World Spay Day
WWW
. ARLINGTONTX . GOV / ANIMALS