Progress made over decades to control overpopulation of dogs and cats through high-volume spay-neuter surgeries is now at risk thanks to the ongoing pandemic, the researchers say. The findings come from a new study of over 200 clinics from 2019 to 2021. There are almost three million missing neuter/spay surgeries in the US due to the COVID pandemic, researchers report.Īlong with veterinarian and staff shortages, the missing surgeries are contributing to widespread overcrowding at pet shelters.