Free spay, neuter certificates at city hall Thursday

Free animal spay or neuter certificates are being distributed to Canyon Lake residents Thursday at the City of Canyon Lake City Hall by the Animal Friends of the Valleys from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Animal Friends of the Valleys is celebrating World Spay Day by handing out these free vouchers on a first come, first served basis. These vouchers have a value of up to $100 for dogs and $60 for cats.

Only two vouchers will be given per household and the vouchers are non-transferable. A microchip coupon will also be provided, which is redeemable at Animal Friends of the Valleys Shelter and Clinic, and the recipient must reside within Canyon Lake.

At city hall, those coming to obtain the free certificates will need to provide proof of residency (ie: driver’s license, utility bill, etc.), practice COVID-19 regulations by wearing a mask and practice social distancing and should not bring their pets.

World Spay day is a nation-wide event that is usually celebrated on the last Tuesday of February across the United States, but this year AFV is making it a week-long event to visit daily the communities it serves.

“The goal is to help end pet overpopulation by ensuring that pets are fixed and not having unwanted litters,” Carolina Calderon, AFV Event & Media Manager, said. “According to the National Council on Pet Population, cats can go into heat at as young as four months old and dogs can have puppies at as young as five months. With 50% of litters being un-planned, it is crucial to have pets sterilized early to help keep our pets out of shelters and in their loving homes.”

Animal Friends of the Valleys is dedicated to promoting humane care of animals through education and a humane and pro-active animal services program, and is committed to preventing the suffering of animals and to ending pet overpopulation in the communities it serves, Carolina said.

The City of Canyon Lake City Hall is located in the Canyon Lake Town Center at 31516 Railroad Canyon Rd., Canyon Lake.