As our best friends, companions, and members of our families, Coloradoans love pets. And thanks to the invaluable work of animal organizations in all parts of the state, more than 90,000 companion animals were adopted from Colorado animal care and control organizations last year. While we are pleased that many of our furry friends have found homes, we are also sadly aware that tens of thousands of animals in Colorado were not so lucky.

By controlling the number of animals reproducing, we can reduce the number of pets that must be destroyed. Last year alone, over 43,000 pets were euthanized due to a shortage of adopting homes in Colorado. Many animals are not being spayed or neutered, leading to random breeding.

In six years, a female dog and her offspring can produce up to 67,000 other dogs. A female cat and her offspring can produce up to a startling 420,000 kittens in just seven years. Educating animal owners about excess pet births and subsidizing spay/neuter programs in underserved areas could significantly curb pet overpopulation.