Dakin Humane Society Offers Discounted Spay/Neuter Services for Pit Bulls

SPRINGFIELD — Pit bulls end up in local shelters in numbers larger than most other breeds of dog. That’s why Dakin Humane Society, with support from PetSmart Charities, the largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, is participating in the Primp Your Pit spay/neuter campaign. Dakin will provide a special $20 spay or neuter surgery and free nail trim for pit bulls and pit bull mixes during the month of August.

“Spaying or neutering a pet is the most effective thing a person can do to prevent unwanted litters from being born that may ultimately end up in local shelters,” said Leslie Harris, Dakin’s executive director.

Some may be hesitant to get their young puppies and kittens sterilized, but the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. endorses spaying or neutering puppies as young as eight to 10 weeks old. Research also shows that the procedure may improve the behavior and health of the pet, including reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections. This special $20 rate is less than Dakin’s normally low fee, and is available to all who mention the Primp Your Pit campaign when they call to schedule their appointment.

Thanks to the PetSmart Charities grant, Dakin will provide 120 Primp Your Pit sterilizations for $20 in August. To book an appointment, call (413) 781-4019 or visit the Dakin Community Spay/Neuter Clinic at 171 Union St. in Springfield in person Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.