It’s a matter of faith that spay/neuter programs will lead to reduced shelter intake and a higher
rate of lifesaving in a community. A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal
Welfare Science suggests that’s not always the case.

A subsidized, high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter clinic was opened in Transylvania County,
North Carolina in 2005. Prior to the clinic’s launch, there had already been a decline in intake of
dog’s to the county’s only animal shelter and the rate of decline did not change after the clinic
opened, nor did the euthanasia rate for dogs change significantly.

Shelter intake of cats did decrease significantly, as did the total number of cats being euthanized,
but when related to intake, there was no change in the percentage of cats euthanized.

Although the study authors indicated there wasn’t enough data to interpret those findings, it’s
clear that many factors other than spay/neuter availability are involved in improving lifesaving
percentages in a community.

Scarlett, J.M., Johnston, N. (2012) Impact of a Subsidized Spay Neuter Clinic on Impoundments
and Euthanasia in a Community Shelter and on Service and Complaint Calls to Animal Control.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 15(1)