Spay Day USA is coming — Tuesday February 27th. This is a great time to have your dog or cat (or rabbit or other small pet) spayed or neutered! You have several different options for the surgery.
Most people have their regular veterinarian do the spay or neuter surgery. Choosing your regular veterinarian is nice and easy — they already care for your pet! However, this can be the most expensive option. Your vet may be able to offer special financing options or a have a special fund to help pet owners who can’t afford particular treatments and surgeries.
Your local animal shelter may offer a spay/neuter clinic, or know of some low cost clinics in your area. Many shelters also offer a voucher for a discount on the spaying or neutering surgery if you adopt a pet (instead of buying from a pet store or breeder). Many shelters even try to get the animal spayed or neutered before it goes to a forever home — the shelter where I got my Lally took care of her surgery long before I found her. Some shelters and rescues may have a fund to help pet owners who can’t afford certain treatments and/or surgeries.
Check with SPAY/USA, a national spay and neuter referral network. They may be able to help you find a low-cost clinic in your area. Visit them online at www.spayusa.org or call 1-800-248-SPAY. Pets 911 is another resource for pet owners that can help you find spay/neuter resources in your area. Visit them online at www.pets911.com for information on veterinarians, clinics, shelters, rescues, and more.
Regardless of where you go and what you pay for your spaying or neutering, remember this: this is a one time surgery and a one time cost with a lifetime of benefits. Not only are you doing your part to reduce pet overpopulation but you are reducing your pet’s risk of serious health problems later in life. Spaying or neutering also makes your pet less likely to want to wander far from home.