Celebrate World Spay Day the Last Tuesday in February
The last Tues. in Feb. is World Spay Day
World Spay Day brings attention to the problem of pet overpopulation and how spaying/neutering your pets can help fix the problem.
The day began in 1995 as Spay Day USA (and many people still call it that), started by the Doris Day Animal League (DDAL).
It became World Spay Day after DDAL merged with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in 2006.
Today the HSUS partners with Humane Society International and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) to present the day on the last Tuesday in February.
The Doris Day Animal Foundation still provides grants to help get animals in need spayed or neutered for Spay Day.
But observations don’t have to be confined to this one day. February is also National Prevent a Litter Month (which spaying and neutering will do!). So veterinarians, shelters and other animal oriented organizations may be celebrating all month.
Spaying/Neutering Saves Lives
Getting pets “fixed” helps save lives in more ways than one.
When you pet can’t have babies, you won’t end up with puppies, kittens or baby bunnies you can’t keep and can’t find homes for.
When feral cats are spayed and neutered, they won’t add to the overpopulation problem.
With fewer unwanted animals running around, fewer animals will end up being euthanized in shelters.
And spaying/neutering can help your pet’s health, too.
- They usually live longer than unaltered pets.
- They’re less likely to get into fights with other animals, so they’re less likely to get injured.
- They’re less likely to get certain cancers, like mammary gland, uterine or testicular.
Note that Spay Day is not the same as Feral Cat Spay Day, celebrated every year on May 27.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial holiday.
Celebrating World Spay Day/Spay Day USA
No matter who you are, you can help celebrate this day.
Pet Parents
If your pet hasn’t been “fixed,” consider getting that done this month. Ask your vet’s office if they’re offering special pricing in honor of the day. If not and you can’t afford full price, check with local shelters and rescue organizations. They may offer low-cost option. Or they can point you in the right direction.
You can also search for a clinic near you at SpayUSA. This network/referral service is run by the North shore Animal League.
Help spread the word about the importance of spay/neuter. Consider volunteering with local rescues to help out with their Spay Day events.
Veterinarians
From offering discounted spay/neuters for a day, week or all month to spaying/neutering a few feral or adoptable shelter animals, there’s lots veterinarians can do to help.
For more ideas, check out this list from HSVMA (PDF).
Rescue Organizations
Most rescue organizations are already strong advocates of spay/neuter. But if you’re looking for more ways to spread the word, consider these ideas for how to participate, from Animal Sheltering
