07/06/2026
In the past 90 days, 196 pets have been added to the waitlist at Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary. We currently care for 114 animals, and shelters across America are overwhelmed. This is a crisis. We can’t just “adopt” our way out of this.
Every unwanted litter begins with pets whose people may have meant well, waited too long, lacked transportation, or simply could not afford the cost of surgery. But the result is heartbreaking: too many puppies and kittens, not enough homes, overcrowded shelters, exhausted rescue groups, and animals left to struggle outdoors or be passed from place to place.
Spaying and neutering is one of the most compassionate, practical ways we can stop pet overpopulation before it starts. These routine procedures prevent accidental litters, reduce the number of homeless animals, and can also help pets live healthier, safer lives by lowering certain medical and behavior risks.
This is not just a shelter problem. It is a community problem—and that means every one of us can be part of the solution. If your pets are not fixed, please make an appointment. If you know a neighbor, friend, senior citizen, or family member who wants to do the right thing but needs help, offer what you can: a ride to the clinic, help finding a low-cost program, a small donation toward the surgery, or even help caring for the pet during recovery.
Many people love their animals deeply but face real barriers. Kindness and teamwork can make all the difference. One spay or neuter surgery can prevent countless future litters. One ride, one phone call, one shared resource, or one act of generosity can spare animals from hunger, illness, neglect, abandonment, or euthanasia.
Please talk with your veterinarian or find a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Haven of the Ozarks offers a list of options on our website at www.havenoftheozarks.org/spay-neuter. Encourage responsible pet ownership. Adopt when you can. Support local rescue efforts and your local shelters so they can help care for pets in need. Donate, adopt, volunteer, and most importantly, help stop the cycle before another litter is born into uncertainty.
Local veterinarians, please consider working with the Bissell Foundation to help us offer more low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Contact Jana at Haven of the Ozarks for more information.
Fix your pets. Help others fix theirs. Together, we can reduce suffering, protect our neighborhoods, and give more animals the safe, loving lives they deserve.
