The Pearl River County SPCA is encouraging pet owners to participate in the ongoing spay and neuter program, which is partially funded by grants.

Judy Wheaton, Pearl River County SPCA president, said she could not disclose the total amount of grant money received due to organizational rules, but said the funds will be used to conduct the program.

Under the program, Pearl River County residents can purchase coupons to have pets spayed or neutered at half the price. The coupons can be purchased for $30 for cats and $40 for dogs, Wheaton said.

She said the shelter has spayed and neutered over 40,000 animals since program began in 2007.

Prior to that time, the shelter took in over 6,000 animals, only 20 percent of which found forever homes, the rest had to be euthanized, Wheaton said.

Since formation of the program, the shelter’s intake rate dropped significantly. Last year, the shelter took in about 3,000, of which 65-70 percent were adopted.

In 2007 about 4,100 pets had to euthanized, Wheaton. Last year that number was down to 800.

She said the shelter aims to reach a 95 percent live release rate, which will help qualify it as a no kill shelter.

Coupons can be purchased at the shelter, which is located at 1700 Palestine Road in Picayune, Wheaton said. For additional information about program, or for adoption information, visit prcspca.org or the shelter’s Facebook page.