Limited free spays/neuters available throughout February

Some Delawareans will be able to save money and give their furry friends a snip-snip this month.

In honor of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month this February, the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Animal Welfare  (OAW) is offering a special opportunity for income-eligible Delaware residents to have their pets spayed or neutered at no cost.

The initiative, known as Spay Days, also covers important vaccinations, including rabies and distemper, as well as microchipping, all aimed at ensuring pets lead healthier and safer lives.

“Spay/neuter services are essential for improving the well-being of pets and preventing unwanted litters,” said Joanna Miller, deputy director of OAW. “We encourage eligible pet owners to take advantage of this program and show their pets some extra love this month.”

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The program allows qualifying pet owners to schedule appointments at participating veterinary clinics, including Humane Animal Partners, Faithful Friends Animal Society, Forgotten Cats, and Brandywine Valley SPCA.

The initiative is part of the Spay & Neuter Program, which was established by the Delaware General Assembly in 2006.

This program aims to address the issue of stray and unwanted animals by offering funding to sterilize pets in the following categories:

• Low-income Delaware pet owners
• Homeless animals taken in by shelters and rescues
• Community cats through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return programs

More on spay/neuter initiative

Through this initiative, nonprofit animal welfare organizations can also apply for grants to sterilize homeless animals, with a special emphasis on community cats.

Spaying and neutering are widely recognized as the most effective and humane methods for controlling the population of unwanted pets. The operation typically costs a few hundred dollars but can be more than a $1,000.

Since the OAW was created in 2013, it has overseen the Spay & Neuter Program, which has made significant progress in reducing pet overpopulation.

From 2014 to June 2024, the program facilitated the sterilization of more than 40,000 animals and the vaccination of over 31,000 animals against rabies.

With appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis, pet owners are urged to act quickly to secure a spot.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to schedule an appointment, click here.