Spay and Neuter to Prevent the Litter Problem Pet sterilization is by far the most effective way to reduce the number of unwanted pets in a community. Not only does pet sterilization help control the pet overpopulation problem, it makes a pet safer, more manageable and a better overall companion in a family. Every pet adopted from The Humane Society is sterilized, either before it goes home, or, in the case of kittens and puppies, after the adopters post a $75 deposit that is refunded when they have the pet sterilized at our Humane Animal Clinic or elsewhere. But having your own pet sterilized is not enough. We have to make sure that others have their pets fixed too. If you can afford to make a donation to our Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), that money will go towards helping needy pet owners sterilize their pets at our Humane Animal Clinic. It's also important to support other local efforts to trap, neuter and return free roaming and feral cats, which make up the largest portion of unwanted animals entering shelters. Research is showing that Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) efforts really do work and pay significant moral and financial dividends in a community that seriously endorses TNR.