It's a situation all too common in Maricopa County, an unspayed female dog becomes pregnant.
After the puppies are born, they are typically given away or sold, but often end up in an open-intake shelter, where they are at risk of being euthanized. The mother dog often reproduces many more times, adding to the huge problem of homeless pet overpopulation in our community. In response to this problem, the Arizona Animal Welfare League & Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) has created a new program called Last Litter.
Pet owners who find themselves in a situation with unplanned or unwanted puppies can now contact the no-kill organization for help. When the puppies are old enough to be weaned, mom and the entire litter will go to AAWL & SPCA's shelter. Mom will be spayed and vaccinated in the organization's PetMD clinic and returned to her owner at no charge. The puppies will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before being put up for adoption at the AAWL & SPCA adoption center.
For more information about the Last Litter program, contact Monika Sperke at (602) 273-6852, ext. 100.
