SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Animal rescue groups are teaming up to offer free spaying and neutering to pets of low-income families.

In what has become a national effort to cut down on pet overpopulation, Feb. 23 is the day to bring your pets in to be spayed or neutered for free.

Last year alone, five million unwanted pets were euthanized in the United States, with 30,000 of those in Sacramento-area shelters.

"There are thousands of puppies and kittens here all the time. We're targeting the low-income families, but all are welcome. There is an overpopulation problem," veterinarian Dr. Lynda Zucca said.

It's billed as Spay Day USA 2003, and the deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb. 14. Participating shelters are hoping to serve primarily low-income families but will take those on a first-come-first-serve basis. Four hundred slots are available.

The Sacramento Area Animal Coalition is looking for volunteers, donations and medical supplies to help with Spay Day.

The number to call to make an appointment is (916) 264-7387, extension 212.

Spay/Neuter Locations

Sacramento SPCA on Florin-Perkins Road

The Sacramento Animal Care and Regulation on Bradshaw Road

Spay and neuter mobile clinic in Del Paso Heights.

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital in Citrus Heights