Operating since 1997 and formally established in 2004, Long Beach Spay and Neuter Foundation (LBSN) is committed to reducing pet overpopulation and improving the welfare of animals in greater Long Beach, California. We are an all-volunteer, not-for-profit (501(c)(3)), no-kill cat/dog rescue group. We rely exclusively on adoption fees and donations for our operating budget of typically less than $50,000 per year, most of which goes to veterinary expenses. Every year we are forced to turn away more people and animals than we are actually able to help due to insufficient funds. Services we provide include:
• Low cost spay/neuter assistance and veterinary referrals
• Basic pet welfare services, including flea/parasite/deworming treatment and routine vaccinations
• Adoption services for cats and a limited number of dogs (although the latter is growing rapidly)
• Assistance with trapping stray and feral animals
• Educational materials to promote successful pet ownership
• Assistance to feral cat caretakers with spay/neutering and trapping
We receive no tax dollars, no municipal, state or federal funds, and none of our members are paid for their time. Since 1997, we have placed thousands of homeless cats rescued from the streets and saved through community efforts. In 2012 alone, we facilitated the sterilization of 504 animals and thereby prevented the births of thousands of unwanted animals. In addition, we found homes for 132 animals and funded medical treatment for 27 cats and dogs. OUR ADOPTION PROGRAM:
Cats and dogs that are rescued by LBSN are fostered in our own homes, so our caregivers have keen insight into the animals available for adoption. This includes insight into what kind of an environment, including food, toys, litter, and co-inhabitants (other pets, children, etc.), will make for a successful adoption and what homes should not be considered. We visit the homes of people that are interested prior to adopting out any animal and check veterinarian references for those who have previously owned pets. In addition, we perform a formal written and verbal evaluation of the potential adopter to ensure that our rescued animals are being placed in a loving, forever home that is best suited for both the adoptee and adopter.
