Aren’t newborn puppies and kittens just the cutest? While they are adorable, a newborn litter means lots of new puppies and kittens in need of a home. Dogs and cats tend to reproduce a lot, a female cat can potentially give birth to over 100 kittens over the course of a lifetime! During the spring months, we usually see an increase in the births of puppies and kittens. With that in mind, each February every year has been named National Prevent a Litter Month.
National Prevent a Litter Month timeline
The first animal welfare organization in the United States, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is founded.
The first homeless animal shelter is opened just outside of Philadelphia.
The first spay / neuter clinic opens in Los Angeles.
The ASCPA announces that all adopted animals must be neutered or spayed.
How to Observe National Prevent a Litter Month
Take your pet to be spayed or neutered
The best way to celebrate National Prevent a Litter Month is to make sure all of your pets are spayed or neutered. While there is a fee involved, it much more affordable than a new litter of kittens or puppies! Cats typically should be treated within 5 months of birth while dogs should undergo treatment by 9 months of age.
Help spread awareness
While it is important to make sure our own pets are taken care of, there are countless dogs and cats that still need our help. Help spread awareness among other pet owners and professionals by informing others about National Prevent a Litter Month around your local dog parks, shelters, and veterinary clinics. There are multiple low-cost spay/neuter programs you can recommend.
Make a donation
Making a donation to your local animal shelter is a great way to celebrate National Prevent a Litter Month. While the end goal is to reduce the number of puppies and kittens in these shelters, we can also help by making sure these shelters have the funds they need to care for the millions of new puppies and kittens that are admitted each year. If you are feeling even more generous consider adopting a puppy or kitten from a shelter.
Why National Prevent a Litter Month is Important
Overpopulation is a serious problem
Each year thousands of dogs and cats find themselves living on the streets simply because there aren’t enough pet owners to take them all in. National Prevent a Litter Month reminds us that we must do our part to solve the problem by spaying and neutering our own pets.
Spaying and neutering can help behavior issues
While the primary reason for “fixing” a dog or cat is to prevent pregnancy, it can also help your pet with aggressive or primal tendencies. Spayed or neutered pets typically spend more time indoors, do not act as aggressively towards other animals, and don’t “spray” to mark their territory.
Spayed and neutered pets live healthier lives
We all want our pets to live the longest, healthiest lives possible and spaying/neutering can help with that. Pets that have been spayed or neutered are much less likely to develop many diseases such as cancer, urinary infections, and prostate problems.
National Prevent a Litter Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 1 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
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