It's no secret homeless animals are always a problem across Malaysia. Pet overpopulation stems from several factors: cats and dogs reproducing with little chance of their offspring finding a home, lack of spay and neutering, irresponsible pet owners and etc.

A study conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, Putrajaya, about 61% of pet owners reported they found strays in their vicinity, and the numbers continuously staggered over the years.  

The total number of pets were found, many were not neutered or vaccinated.

If you think the numbers are alarming, they actually are. Hence we as a community need to make a difference or a change.

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How can you make a difference in the numbers?

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1. Spay and Neuter your pets

Spaying and neutering your pet is the best thing you can do to help prevent pet overpopulation. The key is to prevent the problem before it begins.

Spay and neuter procedures are common surgeries performed by vet doctors while your pet is under anaesthesia. Female animals are spayed by removing their ovaries and uterus, whereas male animals are neutered by removing their testicles.

The basic cost of spaying and neutering costs in Malaysia can prices around RM 80 to RM 300, and it depends on whether its a private or government clinic.

2. Adopt an animal from animal shelter

Instead of purchasing a pet from a breeder or pet store. When you adopt from an animal shelter, adoption fees include neutering, spaying & vaccinations.

Since adoption fees include many of these perks, it saves you a lot of time and money.

When you adopt a pet, you're a hero saving lives. Not only you're providing a forever home, but you're also reducing the number of strays on the street.

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3. Educate your children, family members, friends & co-workers

Many Malaysian pet owners or residents are unaware of how severe our pet overpopulation has become. 58% of respondents who participated in the Department of Veterinary Services of Malaysia studies do not know about it. Being aware is only half the battle.

Share the importance of spaying and neutering with friends and neighbors. Let them know there are affordable neutering and spaying packages, and by doing that, they can make an impact in reducing the number of strays on the street.

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4. Think Before purchasing a breed from a Breeder

Inhumane and inadequate breeding facilities do exist. We encourage individuals to exercise caution when purchasing animals from breeders and consider alternative means for acquiring companion animals.

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5. Donate to spay and neuter programs

By donating to neuter and spaying programs in Malaysia, service providers will be able to offer low cost and neuter surgeries continuously. As stated early, spaying and neutering saves lives and reduces pet homelessness.

List of Spaying and Neuters Programs are also known as Trap- Neuter- Release- Manage (TNRM)

1. Furry Friends Farm, Malaysia. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
2. Second Chance Animal Society. Animal Shelter.
3. PAWS Animal Welfare Society, Petaling Jaya.
4. myanimalcare.org. Nonprofit Organization.
5. Lost Animal Souls Shelter.
6. Spay the Stray Project by Sherlyn