In Los Angeles, where animal shelters are overcrowded and euthanasia rates are alarmingly high, Tammy Hines is taking action. As a volunteer and rescuer, she’s working to reduce unwanted pet litters in her community by facilitating spay and neuter services for dogs owned by homeless individuals.
Collaborating with Project Street Vet, veterinarian Dr. Daniela Castillo, and registered veterinary technician Lillian Balam, Hines organized a “puppy party” to spay and neuter nine dogs in a single day. This effort addressed a critical need, as appointments for these services are often hard to come by, especially for transient pet owners.
The team successfully performed surgeries on eight female dogs and one male puppy, potentially preventing thousands of future unwanted litters. Dr. Castillo emphasized the health benefits of spaying and neutering, including the prevention of certain cancers and reducing the risk of accidents or fights among intact animals.
This initiative not only helps control the pet population but also supports the mental health of veterinarians who often face the emotional toll of euthanizing healthy animals due to overcrowding. By providing these services to pets of homeless individuals, the team is preserving the vital human-animal bond while addressing a larger community issue.
Reflecting on the day’s success, Hines said, “We have been able to accomplish something I have been trying to get these dogs appointments for through some of our local vets, and it would have been spread across six to eight months to get appointments for the female dogs ’cause they’re so backed up.”
Watch this video to see the Puppy Party in action:
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