AIKEN --- Having a pet sterilized can be costly, especially if a family has more than one, but it's the best method of reducing the number of unwanted animals that end up at the county shelter.

Since March, Aiken County has been helping low-income families with the cost of spaying or neutering their pets through a subsidized sterilization program.

"The objective is to reduce the unwanted pet population and to reduce the number of animals euthanized at the shelter," said Bobby Arthurs, the Aiken County Animal Shelter's chief enforcement officer.

The county council allocated $30,000 to fund the spay and neuter program. At the end of June, it had given out more than $10,000 in sterilization vouchers.

Residents who receive a voucher can go to any veterinarian who accepts them. The vouchers are worth up to $80 for sterilization of a dog and up to $55 for sterilization of a cat. Fees vary depending on gender.

The spay and neuter program is just the latest effort by the county shelter to reduce the number of animals put to sleep.

At its last meeting, the county council approved a foster care program for animals at the shelter and a transfer agreement between the county shelter and the Aiken Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Since the county began using Petfinder.com, adoptions at the shelter have increased:.

"We can do all we can here, but it's up to the citizens to reduce euthanasias," he said.

Mr. Arthurs said that those who qualify for the program are residents of Aiken County who fall within income guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Residents who want a voucher should fill out an application at the Aiken County Animal Shelter on Wire Road.