'Spay Day' offers reminders to sterilize pets

Your dogs and cats may not be celebrating, but this Tuesday is "Spay Day" - a national reminder to get your pets spayed and neutered to help control the population of unwanted animals in the United States.

The Animal Humane Society says spaying and neutering offers health and behavioral benefits to dogs and cats in addition to reducing pet overpopulation and the number of animals euthanized in shelters. The agency says more than 70,000 dogs and cats are born in the U.S. every day and not nearly enough homes for all ofthem.

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is hosting a "spay-a-thon" Tuesday to promote the practice. Many veterinary clinics throughout the Twin Cities will also be offering the service for free on Tuesday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.