Shelter Launches 'Primp Your Pit' Campaign
Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton is launching a “Primp Your Pit” campaign to help provide local pit bull owners with low-cost spay and neuter surgeries.
The shelter, in conjunction with a nationwide campaign sponsored by PetSmart Charities, will offer spay and neuter surgeries to Long Island residents with pit bull terrier-type dogs for a special $20 rate. The campaign will run throughout the month of August and will also include a free nail trim for the dogs.
According to the shelter, American pit bull terriers are one of the most popular dogs in the country. However, an estimated 70% of all dogs housed and euthanized in animal shelters are pit bull terrier-type dogs.
PetSmart Charities is providing more than $388,000 in grant funding to 57 animal welfare organizations across the nation, including Kent, in order to reduce the number of dogs housed in shelters. Funding for the August campaign will be used to sterilize nearly 6,800 pit bulls.
“Spaying/neutering your dog is the most effective way to prevent unwanted litters from being born that may ultimately end up in our local animal shelter,” Pamela Green, Executive Director of Kent, said in a statement from the shelter.
The American Veterinary Medical Association endorses spaying and neutering puppies as young as 8-10 weeks old. According to the shelter, the procedure may improve the behavior and health of the dog—including reducing the risk of some reproductive cancers and infections.
Pit bull owners who wish to take advantage of this special offer must mention the “Primp Your Pit” promotion when scheduling an appointment. The promotion is based on availability and space is limited.
For more information on the campaign or to schedule an appointment, call 631-727-5731 or visit kentanimalshelter.com. The Kent Animal Shelter clinic is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment.