The number of animals admitted to animal shelters is overwhelming, especially for rural counties with limited animal services budgets. Bastrop County Animal Shelter Helpers (BCAS Helpers) and its supporters are stepping up to make a big impact on the primary source of this problem: animal overpopulation due to unwanted breeding. The Spay/Neuter Certificate Program will heavily subsidize the cost of surgery from local discount veterinary services providers Save An Angel and Emancipet. After a trial program earlier this year, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit BCAS Helpers is launching a permanent program to provide low-income residents with certificates for spay/neuter surgery for their pets.