Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding our organization, spaying & neutering, and Pennsylvania law.
1. What is SUN P.E.T.S.?
We are an all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation in Snyder, Union, and Northumberland counties through our spay and neuter voucher and bus programs for low-income families and individuals.
By raising funds through our events, donations, and grants, we can assist those who cannot afford to spay or neuter their animals, which in turn reduces the number of unwanted animals in our communities. Since 1984, we have helped to spay or neuter over 22,000 animals through our program.
2. Is there an overpopulation problem in our area?
As much as we would like every dog or cat to have a home, the truth is that there is a pet overpopulation problem in our area. Ask any local shelter or rescue group and they will tell you of their unending efforts to find loving homes for all the animals in their care.
3. What can be done to reduce the number of unwanted animals?
The answer to this question lies with every person who cares. Here are a few things you can do.
4. Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
In the United States, approximately 2,500 dogs and cats are born every hour. This number far exceeds the number of good homes available. Here are a few reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet.
5. What is the Pennsylvania regarding animal cruelty?
Pet owners have not only a moral obligation but a legal obligation to properly care for their animals.
Title 18-Section 5511(c) of the Pennsylvania Anti-Cruelty Law: Cruelty to Animals. – A person commits a summary offense if he wantonly or cruelly ill-treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has the duty to care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal’s body heat and keep it dry.
6. How can I be a responsible pet owner?
Here's a few tips:
1. What is SUN P.E.T.S.?
We are an all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation in Snyder, Union, and Northumberland counties through our spay and neuter voucher and bus programs for low-income families and individuals.
By raising funds through our events, donations, and grants, we can assist those who cannot afford to spay or neuter their animals, which in turn reduces the number of unwanted animals in our communities. Since 1984, we have helped to spay or neuter over 22,000 animals through our program.
2. Is there an overpopulation problem in our area?
As much as we would like every dog or cat to have a home, the truth is that there is a pet overpopulation problem in our area. Ask any local shelter or rescue group and they will tell you of their unending efforts to find loving homes for all the animals in their care.
3. What can be done to reduce the number of unwanted animals?
The answer to this question lies with every person who cares. Here are a few things you can do.
- Spay or neuter your pet.
- Educate others about spaying and neutering.
- Volunteer with us.
- Donate to us.
- Support legislation aimed at reducing pet overpopulation.
4. Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
In the United States, approximately 2,500 dogs and cats are born every hour. This number far exceeds the number of good homes available. Here are a few reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet.
- Spayed or neutered animals are generally healthier and happier. The risk of some cancers is greatly reduced by sterilizing your pet.
- Sterilized animals are less likely to roam and fight.
- It costs less to license a sterilized animal.
- Municipal resources going towards dealing with the problem will be decreased.
- In seven years, one female cat and her offspring could produce up to 420,000 cats.
- In six years, one female dog and her offspring could produce up to 67,000 dogs.
5. What is the Pennsylvania regarding animal cruelty?
Pet owners have not only a moral obligation but a legal obligation to properly care for their animals.
Title 18-Section 5511(c) of the Pennsylvania Anti-Cruelty Law: Cruelty to Animals. – A person commits a summary offense if he wantonly or cruelly ill-treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has the duty to care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal’s body heat and keep it dry.
6. How can I be a responsible pet owner?
Here's a few tips:
- Don’t buy a puppy from a puppy mill or a pet shop. Mass overbreeding is a major cause of pet overpopulation.
- Instead, help save lives. Visit your local animal shelter and adopt a friend.
- Educate yourself on responsible pet care.
- Spay or neuter your pet.
- Make sure your pet receives an annual vet checkup.
- Give your pet lots of love and patience. Make them part of your family!
