What is The Big Fix?
The Big Fix is our way to help out local spay and
neuter clinics! We’re donating $3 from every BFF toy purchased to
partnering clinics that provide affordable spay and neuter surgery for
pets and stray colonies.
Homeless pet overpopulation impacts
communities, shelters, and rescues, and we aim to help fix this big
problem, with your help!
Why is spay and neuter so important?
“The wait for regular vet offices and private practices can take as long as three months or more. Through our program, we can usually book people within a week or two at a lower cost. Our Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center even offers payment plans, so that spay and neuter is accessible to everyone!”
Valley Humane Society
“As a true non-profit, our programs rely on public donations of any amount, all of which are deeply appreciated. While we don't currently have volunteer openings in our Spay & Neuter Department, there are many other ways to support our work, such as animal socialization, fostering, or administrative assistance.”
San Francisco SPCA
“Between Kern and Monterey County, we spay or neuter approximately 2,500 pets a month. Regular vets are often too expensive for many of our clients, so our affordable and accessible mobile clinics are booked up so fast. However, one of our biggest challenges is paying our $30,000 medical bills.”
Spay Neuter Imperative Project (SNIP)
Find a Participating Clinic
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.
