Find out Why You Should Spay/Neuter Pets
Frequently asked Questions about Spay/Neuter

It is important to prevent unwanted and unplanned litters of puppies and kittens. San Juan County euthanizes 73% of the animals admitted into their animal shelters.  That means over 8,000 cats and dogs will be euthanized this year at the Farmington and Aztec Animal Shelters because there are not enough homes for them. Pets 4 to 6 months old can be spayed or neutered. Female dogs and cats can become pregnant between 4 and 7 months old. Local veterinarians require that the animal be current on their vaccinations, or have them at the time of surgery. San Juan Animal League offers 8 low-cost vaccination clinics a year.  Last year 75 dogs were spayed or neutered during the 3-day Mobile Spay/Neuter Van Clinic.  327 other cats and dogs were fixed through our Spay/Neuter Rebate Program.
 

If you need assistance with getting your pet spayed or neutered, the San Juan Animal League can help.  As of December 2009, San Juan Animal League’s spay/neuter program has changed.  We now partner with the Aztec Animal Shelter to provide spay/neuter services for dogs and cats.  In general, cats and dogs can be spayed or neutered at 3 months through the Aztec Animal Shelter program. 

To become a participant:

1. Either call Aztec Shelter at 505-334-6819 between 8 am and 4 pm Monday through Saturday, or stop by the shelter located at 825 East Sabina Street in Aztec between 12 and 4 pm Monday through Saturday.

2. Tell them you were referred by San Juan Animal League and wish to join the spay/neuter program.

3. They will ask you the necessary questions about the pets you wish to have spayed/neutered, tell you how much your co-pay will be (see chart below), make your appointment, and tell you how to prepare your pet for the surgery.  The co-pay is due on the day of the appointment.

Your appointment may be scheduled several weeks in the future, so be prepared to confine your pet, especially if you have a female dog or cat that could come into heat before your appointment. 

Keep in mind if you fail to show up for your appointment, it is up to the discretion of the Aztec Shelter as to whether or not you will receive another appointment.  So if you can not make your appointment, make sure and contact the shelter.