Keeping Pets Out of Shelters
The advocacy behind the Neuter or Spay stamps
In 2020, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Spay/Neuter Alliance celebrated the milestone of 10 million animals spayed or neutered, a number that reflects the progress being made to keep pets out of shelters nationwide.
This April is ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month — and a perfect time to remember the 2002 stamp issuance Neuter or Spay.
The stamps feature photographs of a kitten and a puppy awaiting adoption in an animal shelter. Both were soon adopted into caring homes.
The Neuter or Spay stamps raised awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals to help prevent pet overpopulation and avoid health and behavioral problems.
Approximately 6.5 million companion animals entered U.S. shelters in 2023. But this marks a decline from 7.2 million animals in 2011, suggesting spaying and neutering efforts have been effective.
This month, join the U.S. Postal Service and the ASPCA in celebrating these steps forward and continuing to raise awareness about this important social issue.