What is The Big Fix?
The Big Fix is our way of supporting local spay and neuter programs!
We’re donating $3 from every BFF purchased to partnering clinics that provide affordable surgeries for pets and stray colonies to get “fixed.”
Accessible spay and neuter initiatives not only benefit pets, but they also positively impact shelters, rescues, and communities dedicated to supporting animals in need.
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Why is spay and neuter so important?
“We offer accessible, affordable, spay and neuter services within a shelter setting, without added fees for medically routine but often up charged circumstances. We do not charge extra for animals that are in heat, postpartum, pregnant, or cryptorchid, which helps remove financial barriers to timely care. Being located within a shelter also allows us to prioritize animals most at risk of overpopulation, including shelter pets, rescue animals, and community cats, while directly supporting the shelter’s mission.”
Pasadena Humane
“Spay4LA annually spays and neuters over 7,000 dogs and cats. We are the most lifesaving mobile spay and neuter clinic in Los Angeles, assisting low-income communities such as Watts, Compton, South LA, Inglewood, and East LA. Our biggest challenge is funding to keep the cost at a minimum for our low- and no-income clients. We are a nonprofit and desperately need donations to help get dogs and cats fixed.”
Spay4LA
“Spay and neuter has countless benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and other life-threatening illnesses, controlling the animal population, and preventing thousands of unwanted litters. For instance, in just six years, one unspayed female dog and her offspring could potentially produce 67,000 puppies, while one unspayed female cat and her offspring could result in 420,000 kittens within seven years. Spaying or neutering is essential to preventing these outcomes and reducing the number of homeless animals entering shelters each year.”
Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority
“We have rapid availability for people seeking a spay/neuter surgery - right now the wait at regular veterinary hospitals and private practices can take as long as 3 months or more, whereas we can usually book people within a few weeks. In addition, our spay/neuter services are typically a lower cost. We offer TNR surgeries at an affordable cost for the public and rescue groups that focus on TNR.”
Valley Humane Society
“With our high-volume capacity, we can service more clients than a typical general practice. We work closely with the local veterinary community, and many of our clients are referred to us by their regular veterinarians for surgery. For qualifying San Francisco residents, we are also able to offer subsidized care for these services, which is more accessible for some families.”
San Francisco SPCA
“Napa Humane operates the only regularly operating low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter clinic in Napa County. Our clinic provides an average of 351 spay/neuter surgeries each month for companion animals, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. We serve a wide range of animals, including beloved family pets, animals in shelters or rescue organizations awaiting adoption, and unowned “community cats” seen through trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. By addressing the root cause of pet overpopulation, our program prevents thousands of unwanted litters each year, improves animal health and welfare, and helps keep pets in safe, loving homes throughout our community.”
Napa Humane
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does it mean for an animal to be spayed/neutered?
Spay and neuter is the surgical process of removing an animal’s reproductive organs. Animals that have been spayed/neutered can also be referred to as fixed, altered, or sterilized.
For female animals, spaying includes the removal of ovaries and the uterus. Doing so means that they won’t be able to reproduce and won’t experience heat cycles. For male animals, neutering entails the removal of their testicles, which means that they can’t reproduce. All animals are put under general anesthesia during the surgery, and recovery typically takes about 10 – 14 days.
Can I only get my pet spayed and neutered at the vet’s office?
No, while many traditional vets do offer spay and neuter services, it often comes at a high price that may dissuade pet parents from getting their animals fixed. Fortunately, there are many resources that offer more affordable, low-cost options at their local or mobile clinics.
Find a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic Near YouAt what age should my pet be spayed/neutered?
Animals can be spayed/neutered as early as 2 months of age, and it’s suggested that pets receive the surgery before sexual maturity. Cats and small dogs are typically spayed/neutered around 5 – 6 months of age, while larger breed dogs can undergo the procedure around 9 – 15 months of age. Of course, it’s always suggested to consult with your vet about what timing will work best for your pet.
Will spaying/neutering change an animal’s personality?
While spaying/neutering an animal may result in less aggression and a reduced likelihood of territorial spraying, the surgery doesn’t change their personality.
Should stray or feral animals be spayed and neutered?
We strongly believe that all animals should be spayed/neutered unless there is a legitimate health concern that prevents the pet from being spayed/neutered. This determination should only be made by a vet.
How can I support spay and neuter clinics?
Some of the biggest challenges that spay and neuter clinics face include funding and staffing.
Many spay and neuter clinics are funded by donations from individuals and organizations, but that isn’t always enough to cover medical expenses and labor. One of the best ways to support your local clinic is to make donations. Monetary donations can go toward medical expenses, facility needs, and other necessary costs to keep clinics open and running.
Volunteering is another amazing way you can help! Your time and care can go toward supporting administrative needs, cat and dog socialization, fostering animals, or even outreach and advocacy.
Find a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic Near YouCan I use my Pet Food Express employee discount on the Big Fix Friends?
No, the employee discount can’t be used on the Big Fix Friends.
