BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Kern County has been battling an epidemic of pet overpopulation for years, but thanks to the Kern County Animal Shelter, it found a way to fight back.

The county is offering a voucher to low-income families, so they can bring in their pets and get them spayed or neutered for $20.

For this treatment, pet owners must fill out an application at the shelter. If approved, they can get up to four vouchers for their existing pets.

Guy Shaw, director of the Kern County Animal Shelter, said: "Spaying and neutering your pets is important -- because the county is inundated with strays. A program like this hopefully will lessen the numbers that come in. It’s really important that we have less numbers come into the shelters, because what that will mean will be less animals will be euthanized, which is the most important aspect of what this program will accomplish."

To view the different programs that are available, visit County Of Kern Animal Control Department.

“If you’re receiving governmental assistance, you’ll more than likely qualify for these $20 vouchers,” Shaw said.

For more information visit the Kern County Animal Control Web site or call Maggie at 661-868-7104.