Richmond Animal League offers free spaying and neutering.

Kevin and Leah Gross sat on a bench yesterday afternoon under the shade offered by the trees near the Richmond Animal League.

The Grosses, who live in Hopewell, were waiting for the return of their newest family member -- 9-month old beagle Knock-Noc.

Knock-Noc was one of about 25 pets spayed or neutered yesterday courtesy of the Richmond Animal League, which also celebrated its 30th anniversary with an open house at its facility in Chesterfield County, near Courthouse Road and Midlothian Turnpike.

"Unless you're going to breed them, there is no reason not to" spay or neuter pets, Leah Gross said.

The free surgeries were offered to low-income or unemployed pet owners. Sharon Cornett, who is on the board of the Richmond Animal League, said by making the surgery affordable, it may open the door for more people to take advantage, especially those who may be experiencing financial hardship.

"The owners don't have to stress over, 'I know it needs to be done; how do I pay for it?'" she said.

Kevin Gross said bringing Knock-Noc to be fixed was a deal that was too good to pass up. He said there are too many stray animals, and spaying or neutering animals is a good way to control the population.

Christopher Patterson was one of the veterinarians who volunteered to perform the surgeries. He said it's a good cause to work with because there are already many feral cats and dogs roaming around the city.

"I think it serves a need in the community, especially with individuals unable to afford spaying and neutering their pets," Patterson said. "It's something I feel strongly about."

Throughout the afternoon, owners were happily reunited with their pets after a several-hour separation during the surgeries. Albert Doyle of Chesterfield County stopped by the Richmond Animal League to pick up his mother's Lhasa apso, Buttons.

Doyle nuzzled the 3-year-old dog, kissing him on the head while cradling him in his arms.

"He's doing good. I think he's going to be all right," Doyle said.

Yesterday's spay-neuter day was the third such event put on by the nonprofit Richmond Animal League, which bills itself as the Richmond area's oldest no-kill organization dedicated to reducing the homeless pet population.

Cornett said the organization hopes to have another one in the fall.

"Spay-neuter day is important because there are so many unwanted animals born every year that end up being euthanized at shelters because there aren't enough good homes for them," Cornett said.

Contact Jeremy Slayton at (804) 649-6861 or .