The Seattle Humane Society and PetSmart Charities will join forces to provide free spay and neuter surgeries to pit bulls and pit bull mixes in King County. The dogs will also receive free vaccinations, and microchips will be available for $5.

Pit bull mixes now make up approximately 30 percent of lost, stray and abandoned animals in the community’s shelters. The $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities will allow altering of more than 750 dogs and helping save lives by ending unwanted litters, Humane Society officials say.

Spaying and neutering actually improves a pet’s health. The surgery eliminates reproductive cancers in the females and prostate cancer in the males. This simple surgery has many other benefits too, such as making them less likely to roam and get into fights.

People with an unaltered pit bull can contact the Seattle Humane Society at 425-649-7560 to make an appointment.