Houston is in the midst of an animal overpopulation crisis and with the current economic downturn this is increasing greatly. Houston-based non-profit, SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program, Inc.) is stepping up to help Houston's animals and their human companions by expanding their spaying and neutering services and providing additional assistance to local rescue and adoption organizations.

Beginning immediately, SNAP will work with groups such as Friends of B.A.R.C., an all-volunteer organization that helps save animals from the city shelter by fostering and adopting out dogs and cats. With these shelters filled to capacity, this initiative will greatly improve the chances of adoption for animals that would otherwise be euthanized. By assisting groups such as Friends of B.A.R.C., SNAP is providing these animals with a chance to have a happy life and family, while ensuring sterilization so that these animals don't add to the growing number of unwanted births. "We are committed to stopping the cycle of overpopulation, while also giving as many animals as possible a better chance at life," said Steve Brownlow, SNAP's executive director. "We hope to be able to offer more of these services, and encourage concerned citizens and corporations to help us provide these resources to our community by donating to SNAP. Together, we can all make a difference for Houston's animals and their companions."

SNAP is not stopping there. A second mobile clinic is currently undergoing repairs and will soon be heading out into Houston's neediest communities to provide free procedures. SNAP currently provides free spay and neuter surgeries and rabies shots to animals of low-income families on their mobile clinic.

The mobile clinic travels throughout greater Houston to reach areas where the services are most needed. On the current mobile clinic, there continues to be more demand for surgeries than they can accommodate each day. The addition of a second mobile clinic will greatly increase capacity to provide these services.

"Our growth, which we manage on a controlled basis, is limited by our ability to raise additional funds to subsidize the cost of these services," said Brownlow. "SNAP offers a unique opportunity for donors to make a great impact with every dollar donated. We are committed to increasing services and welcome donations from those who want to make a difference in Houston today."

SNAP has been providing free and low-cost services in Houston for more than 15 years. Through their unique mobile clinic program, SNAP is reaching communities hardest hit by the recent economic challenges and those affected by Hurricane Ike. To learn how you can assist SNAP is reducing animal overpopulation in Houston, visit www.snapus.org or call 713- 862.3863.