Shelby Humane Society’s Quick Fix initiative has set a goal of 1,000 spay and neuter surgeries before year’s end.

Shelby Humane launched Quick Fix on Feb. 26, and since then 705 pets have been spayed or neutered, said coordinator Jessica Marable. Shelby Humane partners with Alabama Spay Neuter in Irondale to perform the low-cost surgeries, which range from $15 to $65.

The Quick Fix van provides free pet transportation to Alabama Spay Neuter from various drop-off locations throughout Shelby County. The pets are returned to their respective locations, and reunited with their owners at day’s end.

Each transport carries a maximum of 29 pets and participation is limited to pet owners who pre-register. Quick Fix also provides free follow-up vet visits.

In September, Shelby Humane logged 121 surgeries a record according to Marable.

“We’re taking a lot more than we used to, but the sky’s the limit as far as how many animals as we can take,” Marable said.

Marable stresses the importance of spaying and neutering to pet owners, saying the surgery makes for healthier cats and dogs.

Research shows male cats and dogs tend to be less aggressive after they’re neutered. In addition, neutering significantly lowers the risk of prostate gland and testicular cancer in male dogs.

Marable said Shelby Humane wants to increase its number of neuter surgeries, citing more female pets have participated in Quick Fix.

Shelby Humane receives more than 6,300 animals annually, according to its website. Marable said Quick Fix helps prevent hundreds of unwanted litters that are brought to the shelter.

“We get so many litters of puppies and kittens, and just because they’re cute doesn’t mean we’ll find homes for them,” Marable said.

Shelby Humane has nine Quick Fix dates scheduled through December. Marable is confident the 1,000-surgeries goal will be met.

“We’ll need at least 25 animals from every surgery date to make our goal,” she said.

For more information, call 643-3499 or e-mail quickfix@shelbyhumane.org.

Quick Fix Schedule

-Oct. 30: Alabaster, Bruno’s

-Nov. 4: Montevallo, Lucky’s

-Nov. 7: Shelby County, Heardmont Park

-Nov. 11: Harpersville, Town Hall

-Nov. 18: Calera, Wal-Mart

-Nov. 21: Hoover, Public Safety Building

-Dec. 2: Chelsea, Wal-Mart

-Dec. 4: Alabaster, Bruno’s

-Dec. 9: Montevallo, Lucky’s