KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The SPCA of Clear Lake is closing its shelter this month and switching its focus to affordable spay and neuter programs.

The organization's board of directors made the decision after “exploring opportunities to better serve our community,” according to a statement the SPCA released on Thursday.

“We have identified that our number one goal is to reduce the number of unwanted animals in Lake County,” the statement said. “In order to achieve this goal with the limited amount of resources available to the organization, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our shelter operations effective Jan. 30, 2016, and focus our efforts on affordable spay and neuter programs.”

The board of directors said in the statement that it is looking into the possible implementation of a high volume, high quality, affordable spay/neuter clinic. “We believe this will be a great asset to our community.”

The SPCA said it has stopped accepting animal surrenders from the public, effective immediately, but will continue to adopt out animals in its shelter for a reduced fee. Adoption fees for animals at the SPCA are now $75 for dogs and $45 for cats.

Any animals remaining at SPCA after Jan. 30 will be transferred to other rescues or shelters. An organization representative said on the group's Facebook page that the goal is to make sure animals go to no-kill shelters.

The SPCA had offered animal control services to the city of Clearlake beginning in October 2013 at a cost of $20,000 annually.

The agreement was to have been terminated in the fall as the SPCA and the city struggled to agree on terms, including the amount of money the city was to reimburse the SPCA for its services.

To see animals awaiting adoption, visit the SPCA at 8025 Highway 29 in Kelseyville from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

The SPCA will still hold its monthly vaccination clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16.

The organization, which relies heavily on community support, continues to seek donations to fund its operations. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the SPCA at 8025 Highway 29, Kelseyville, CA 95451, made online at http://www.spcaofclearlake.com/donations or called in to 707-279-1400.