Sterilization prevents suffering\u2014period.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h4>\nVirginia\u2019s Spay\/Neuter Awareness Month highlights the work of the state\u2019s shelters and releasing agencies, which take in an estimated 220,000 homeless and unwanted cats and dogs every year. As many residents struggle to afford spay\/neuter surgeries due to the rising cost of veterinary care and the veterinary workforce shortage, PETA provides vital free and low-cost resources to help ease the burden of the companion-animal homelessness and overpopulation crisis on shelters. Since 2001, PETA\u2019s clinics have spayed or neutered almost 237,000 animals, saving millions <\/em>of lives!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n