The Humane Society of Ventura County is offering free spay or neutering to pit bull and pit bull mixes for a limited time starting Jan. 1.

Funding is limited and the program will only last for a short time, so the HSVC is encouraging Ventura County owners of pit bull and pit bull mixes to act soon. The Ojai-based nonprofit also is seeking donations to help fund the free spay and neutering program.

Reservations are required. Call 656-5043 or visit www.hsvc.org.

Donations may made by visiting the HSVC website. They also can be brought to the Humane Society shelter at 402 Bryant Street in Ojai or sent to P.O. Box 297, Ojai, Calif. 93024.

HSVC began its first free spay and neuter program for Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes in August of 2012. To date HSVC has spayed and neutered 1,039 Chihuahuas throughout Ventura County, saving the lives of countless animals.

“The single most important thing that we can do to save cats and dogs from all the suffering that overpopulation causes is to spay and neuter them,” said HSVC Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.