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Pet owners who couldn't foot the bill for spaying or neutering got some much needed assistance this weekend.

The Great Falls Animal Foundation held a free spay and neuter clinic at the ExpoPark for low-income pet owners.

Every year animals are put to sleep because they don't have a home.

Spaying and neutering is the most effective way to control the pet population.

Some pet owners like Jaynee Leighland say they've wanted to have the procedure done, but going to the vet isn't an option.

"I live alone so I couldn't handle that responsibility by myself and I needed to take advantage of this. I do pay rent, I go to college, and I have a dog, so it was great to take this opportunity for free," Leighland said.

Also helping ease some of the financial burden for pet owners was the Pet Pawsee Food Pantry.

The pantry gave away pet food and treats to low-income pet owners.

Petco officials say people were very generous in providing donations for the pet food drive over the last few months and there was lots of food available for those who needed it.

"With the way the economy is a lot of people can't afford to buy food. We appreciate the people who donated food and the people who come in and get the donated food. It's a good thing, it keeps the animals in the home instead of running the streets or getting put in the shelter," said Charlie Keltz, the animal department manager at Petco.

Along with the food giveaway, the Pet Pawsee also had animals available for adoption on-site.

The clinic costs about $10,000 and is funded through fundraisers and private donors.

Throughout the weekend, 227 cats and 54 dogs were treated.