This story original appeared in the “Progress 2017” section of North Country This Week.

HAMMOND -- In 2017, Spay-Neuter-Now (SNN) based in Hammond, is celebrating its 23rd year of specializing in providing spaying and neutering services for North Country cats and dogs.

SNN programs include humane education and a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter mobile clinic program in the Neuter Commuter traveling over St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis and occasionally into Franklin and Oswego counties.

SNN also partners with Town & Country Veterinary Clinic to help provide spay/neuter assistance at their Ogdensburg, Potsdam and Massena offices. In 2016, Town & Country helped to spay over 370 cats and dogs.

We also have exciting news that by the end of our first January clinic of 2017 in Lyons Falls, that Spay-Neuter-Now has now passed providing 18,000 spay and neuter surgeries. That is 18,000 fewer cats and dogs contributing more litters to the overpopulation crisis in the North Country.

All animals spayed and neutered through SNN receive vaccinations for rabies and distemper. The company has delivered over 5,100 rabies vaccinations since 2011. In SNN programs, over 90% of cats and 45% of dogs were due, overdue or had never before received a rabies vaccination.

Spay-Neuter-Now stresses the importance of keeping all pets’ vaccinations up-to-date and to check with your local veterinarian and your county’s public health department regarding opportunities to vaccinate your pets and protect the community.

People looking for spay/neuter assistance, or those looking to help the animals and people in their community can contact Spay-Neuter-Now at 489-0541, 486-0094, or by visiting www.spayneuternow.org.

SNN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and its programs depend on fundraisers, grants and the continued dedication of its supporters, volunteers, donors and staff.

Tax-deductible donations to SNN programs can be made to Spay-Neuter-Now, 47 Duck Cove Road, Hammond 13646.