Our History
Critters Without Litters was founded by Joann and Larry Keller in 2012. Long-time residents and successful Bakersfield business owners, the Kellers began the “FIX YOUR PIT” voucher program in January 2010. Residents could go to Fortress Storage and for $40 receive a voucher to pay for sterilization services for their pit bull or pit bull mix, one of the most frequently euthanized breeds in the shelter system. Since the voucher program was founded, more than 1,800 vouchers were given to community residents.
Still, it wasn’t enough. People called every day asking about assistance for sterilizing cats or dog breeds other than pit bulls. The euthanasia rate in Kern County shelters remained stubbornly high and no one seemed to have a long-term plan to bring affordable spay/neuter services to our community.
Finally, the Kellers decided enough was enough. Believing the only way Kern County will see reduced euthanasia rates is through affordable spay/neuter services, Critters Without Litters was developed as a permanent, high-volume spay/neuter clinic to meet the needs of the community. As a nonprofit organization, Critters Without Litters is able to subsidize the cost of sterilization through donations by business benefactors, the community, and grant support.
As Larry says, “We cannot build a big enough kennel to solve our pet overpopulation issue. Spaying and neutering is the solution. Fix the pet, help fix the problem. It’s that simple.”
Still, it wasn’t enough. People called every day asking about assistance for sterilizing cats or dog breeds other than pit bulls. The euthanasia rate in Kern County shelters remained stubbornly high and no one seemed to have a long-term plan to bring affordable spay/neuter services to our community.
Finally, the Kellers decided enough was enough. Believing the only way Kern County will see reduced euthanasia rates is through affordable spay/neuter services, Critters Without Litters was developed as a permanent, high-volume spay/neuter clinic to meet the needs of the community. As a nonprofit organization, Critters Without Litters is able to subsidize the cost of sterilization through donations by business benefactors, the community, and grant support.
As Larry says, “We cannot build a big enough kennel to solve our pet overpopulation issue. Spaying and neutering is the solution. Fix the pet, help fix the problem. It’s that simple.”
Our Mission
Critters
Without Litters is
a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that provides high-volume, high-quality, subsidized
companion animal sterilization. We seek to end the preventable euthanasia of
healthy, adoptable pets in Kern County through strong alliances with the community,
local businesses and nonprofit organizations to increase the number of cats and
dogs that are spayed and neutered, while promoting animal health and safety
within our community.
Spay/neuter is a crucial component to solving the complex problem of pet overpopulation in Kern County. In 2011, over 19,500 cats and dogs were killed in Kern County shelters. We believe directly addressing the issue through high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter services will result in a steep reduction in the number of companion animals entering our shelters. Fewer pets in our shelter system will allow more time and resources towards promoting positive outcomes for each animal in their care.
Our philosophy is rooted in forming alliances with national and local nonprofits, local businesses and the community as a whole. Through collaboration, we seek to create a community where every pet has a home to call their own.
Spay/neuter is a crucial component to solving the complex problem of pet overpopulation in Kern County. In 2011, over 19,500 cats and dogs were killed in Kern County shelters. We believe directly addressing the issue through high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter services will result in a steep reduction in the number of companion animals entering our shelters. Fewer pets in our shelter system will allow more time and resources towards promoting positive outcomes for each animal in their care.
Our philosophy is rooted in forming alliances with national and local nonprofits, local businesses and the community as a whole. Through collaboration, we seek to create a community where every pet has a home to call their own.
