Below are some frequently asked questions regarding our organization, spaying & neutering, and Pennsylvania law.

1. What is PA P.E.T.S.? 

We are a 501c3 nonprofit, all volunteer organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties through our low cost spay and neuter programs for low-income families and individuals.

By raising funds through our events, thrift store, donations, and memberships, we can assist those who cannot afford to spay or neuter their animals, which in turn reduces the number of unwanted animals in our communities. Since our inception in 1984, we have helped spay or neuter over 11,928 animals in our five county area.

2. Is there an overpopulation problem in our area? 

Animals are abandoned in our area every day. Most of them end up at our local SPCA shelter in Danville where they are either adopted or euthanized. In 2002:

• 5,719 animals were taken in by the Danville shelter.

• 2,322 of them were adopted or returned to their owners.

• 3,397 of them were euthanized. 

These statistics have been significantly reduced through recent years through owner education and spaying and neutering. As much as we would like all animals to have a home, the truth is that there is a pet overpopulation problem in our area.

3. What can be done to reduce the number of unwanted animals? 

The answer to this question lies with every person who cares. Here are a few things you can do.

• Spay or neuter your pet.

• Educate others about spaying and neutering.

• Become a member of PA P.E.T.S. and volunteer with us.

• Donate to PA P.E.T.S.

• Support legislation aimed at reducing pet overpopulation.

In 2007, with community and volunteer support, 1,457 dogs and cats were spayed or neutered through our branch programs. Together we are making a difference.

4. Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

In the United States, approximately 2,500 dogs and cats are born every hour. This number far exceeds the number of good homes available. Here are a few reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet.

• Spayed or neutered animals are generally healthier and happier. The risk of some cancers is greatly reduced by sterilizing your pet.

• Sterilized animals are less likely to roam and fight.

• It costs less to license a sterilized animal.

• Municipal resources going towards dealing with the problem will be decreased.

• In seven years, one female cat and her offspring could produce up to 420,000 cats.

• In six years, one female dog and her offspring could produce up to 67,000 dogs.

And of course the most important of all is that your animal will not be contributing to the current overpopulation problem in our area.

5. What is the Pennsylvania regarding animal cruelty?

Pet owners have not only a moral obligation but a legal obligation to properly care for their animals.

Title 18-Section 5511(c) of the Pennsylvania Anti-Cruelty Law: Cruelty to Animals. – A person commits a summary offense if he wantonly or cruelly ill-treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has the duty to care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal’s body heat and keep it dry.

6. How can I be a responsible pet owner?

Here's a few tips:

• Don’t buy a puppy from a puppy mill or a pet shop. Mass overbreeding is a major cause of pet overpopulation.

• Instead, help save lives. Visit your local animal shelter and adopt a friend.

• Educate yourself on proper pet care.

• Spay or neuter your pet.

• Make sure your pet receives an annual vet checkup.

• Give your pet lots of love and patience. They are part of your family!