Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2026 (updated)

CONTACT: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov

February is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

In recognition of National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing the overpopulation of pets in our communities.

Spaying/neutering pets is a crucial step in reducing the number of animals entering any of the County’s seven animal care centers. By taking advantage of DACC’s initiatives this February, pet owners can help ensure a healthier future for their furry companions while also addressing the pressing issue of pet overpopulation.

Key health benefits of spaying/neutering your pet include:

• For Female Pets: Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors.
• For Male Pets: Neutering prevents testicular cancer and decreases the likelihood of prostate issues and roaming.
• Behavioral Benefits: Spaying/neutering can also reduce roaming behavior, making pets less likely to wander away from home which reduces the chance of any incidents that may cause injury to your pet.

“February is the perfect time for pet owners to take action and have their pets spayed and neutered,” said Director Marcia Mayeda. “By doing so, we can help prevent unwanted litters and ensure that our animal care centers are not overwhelmed during the warmer months when the number of animals typically increases.” Spaying/neutering dogs and cats is required under Los Angeles County Code Title 10. Failure to spay/neuter dogs and cats can result in citations and fines to the pet owner. To learn more go to: https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/spay-and-neuter/.

DACC encourages pet owners to take advantage of the spay/neuter voucher program. For more information and eligibility please visit https://voucher.animalcare.lacounty.gov/. By working together we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our pets and our community.

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.

About the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation supports the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control through fundraising which supports spay and neuter programs, pet adoptions, public education, disaster response, and animal welfare. Many of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have enabled the department to enhance the care given to animals in the County animal care centers. To learn more, visit https://lacountyanimals.org