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Most animal shelters stay overpopulated, especially during the summer months. Statistics from the National Humane Education Society show that more than 3,000 dogs and cats are born every hour of every day in the United States.

There are many ways you can help. First, if you are a pet owner, get your pet spayed or neutered, which leads to healthier pets and savings on veterinary costs. The Washington County SPCA is trying to fight feline overpopulation by spaying or neutering cats and kittens for only $35.

If your heart is set on a purebred animal, check your local shelter or look online for breed rescue groups. Fostering an animal means one less pet in the shelter.

Prevent your pet from ending up in a shelter by using a collar with identification or micro-chipping. Donating or volunteering are also great ways to help the overpopulation of shelter animals. In Washington County, find out more by visiting http://www.wcspca.org/