The fact that there are no adorable furry critters to attract much attention is perhaps the reason that some people in Haywood County still don’t know about one of the valuable animal nonprofits, Haywood Spay/Neuter (formerly known as HAWA).

What is the best way to control the pet population — spay/neuter or euthanize? With Haywood Spay/Neuter, the numbers being euthanized are significantly lower than in years past, but one of God’s creatures being euthanized for being unwanted is still too many.

In the northeast, the unwanted pet population has been controlled with such success. Many of Haywood’s local strays at the Animal Shelter, then rescued by Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, are transported to the northeast where there are families eager to give a fur baby a good home.

The cost to spay/neuter a pet can be an expense some are not willing to make a priority, especially when one has bigger concerns in this economy, like putting food on the table for their family.   Haywood Spay/Neuter’s main purpose is to offer everyone in Haywood County low-cost spay/neuter of not only pets to stop unwanted litters, but for the feral cat population as well.

HSN has a feral cat program in which they trap, neuter and return (TNR) the cats to the same colony.  All the work is done by the HSN volunteers.Just make a phone call to report where the colonies are located.

For a family pet (dog or cat), $39 is the standard reduced cost for spay/neuter, regardless of sex, and includes a rabies shot.  That is an savings, but now HSN is holding its annual $10 special, and that’s with no limit on the number of pets per family.

Go to HSN at its new location at 182 Richland St., just off Frog Level, from noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday ,and bring a simple proof on income, W-2, paystub, etc. (no limit on income, just need verification for grant and funding purposes), pay $10 and make an appointment to drop off your pet on one of their transport days (drop off and then pick up is in Waynesville).  Or make an appointment directly with Humane Alliance in Asheville to drop your pet off.

The group is grateful to everyone who stopped by the Haywood Spay/Neuter booth at the Church Street and Apple Harvest Festivals to purchase one of the pet bed warmers or other pet items made with loving care by HSN volunteers, most especially board member Nancy Lux.  The funds raised will be put to great use for controlling Haywood County pet population.