GETTING A PET "FIXED" to prevent unwanted offspring has always been a good idea, and it's easier than ever.

Pet owners now can make an appointment online to get their dog or cat spayed or neutered at clinics in Riverside or San Jacinto. Providing the procedure conveniently and at a low cost is one way the county is trying to reduce the number of unwanted animals that must be euthanized each year.

The appointments are available by clicking on the following link and filling out the required fields: http://rcdas.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=282&Itemid=69 To find the form on the Web site of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services—www.rcdas.org—just click on the words "Pet Services" on the left side of the site, then click on "Pet Surgery Appointment."

Riverside County Animal Services provides low-cost spay & neuter surgeries for dogs at a flat, low rate of $85 and $40 for cats. Other charges may be applicable. Once you have filled out the form, an Animal Services employee will contact you within two weeks with an appointment date. The surgery costs $85 for dogs and $40 for cats, regardless of the animal's weight.

The new system allows pet owners to make appointments quickly and conveniently, said Animal Services Director Robert Miller. The department has had more appointments available since the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus opened in mid-February.

"We're very excited to offer something that should be very convenient for most people," Miller said.

Anyone who does not have computer access or an e-mail address can still call the Department's main number for appointments, 951.358.7387, or stop by the clinics to request an appointment in person. The clinics are located at:

Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter
6851 Van Buren Blvd. • Riverside, CA 92509

and

San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus
581 S. Grand Ave. • San Jacinto, CA 92582