Protect your pets.

This is the message to pet lovers of America from the U.S. Postal Service. The plea is conveyed through two new 37-cent U.S. stamps that encourage the neutering or spaying of puppies and kittens.

Featured on the stamps are a puppy, Kirby, and a kitten, Samantha, both adopted from “no-kill” animal shelters in Connecticut. The Postal Service says this issue is a continuation of its tradition of raising awareness of social problems.

Neutering and spaying prevent animals from reproducing.

Approximately 70,000 cats and dogs are born each day in the United States. Animal shelters and veterinarians urge owners to spay or neuter their pets to combat the problems of animal overpopulation. The procedures also lead to better health and longer lives for pets.

The new puppy and kitten stamps go on sale Sept. 20. First-day-of-issue postmarks are available by mail. You can purchase them at your local post office. Affix the stamps to your envelopes, address the envelopes and place in a larger envelope addressed to: Neuter or Spay Commemorative Stamps, Postmaster, 951 20th St., Denver, CO 80202-9998. All orders must be postmarked by Oct. 21.

The Stamp Fulfillment Services of the USPS also offers first-day covers. Call toll free (800) STAMP-24. Ask for a free catalog.

The Postal Service provides a selection of stamps and other philatelic material in the Postal Store at www.usps.com.