The Pet Assistance Association, Inc. was organized in 1976 when a group of caring Bee county residents came together to incorporate the organization as a 501(c) 3 Corporation whose primary purpose was to reduce the number of unwanted animals by sponsoring low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats. Since that time, Association volunteers have cared for thousands of stray animals, provided adoptive homes, medical treatments, food, and spay and neuter surgeries at a reduced rate for those who could not afford the cost. The organization has worked closely with an area veterinarian and the public in these endeavors. Another focus of the organization is public education aimed at encouraging responsible pet ownership stressing the need to spay and neuter family pets in order to cut down on the number of unwanted animals that are tragically put to death each year.