Spay Day began in 1995 as a project of the Doris Day Animal League (DDAL) with the goal of reducing pet overpopulation. DDAL merged with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in 2006 to maximize the effectiveness of the two animal welfare organizations. The Humane Society International now works with HSUS in the World Spay Day effort.
Each year HSUS works with local shelters, humane organizations and rescue groups, veterinarians and their staff, and individual volunteers to offer special spay-neuter events, sponsor mobile clinics, raise money to fund surgeries, and increase public awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering. Since 1995, over one and a half one million animals have been spayed or neutered as a result of the countless number of organizations and individuals participating in Spay Day.
The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, in partnership with the Doris Day Animal Foundation, the ASPCA, the House Rabbit Society, the Humane Alliance, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Petfinder, and PetSmart Charities® serve as proud partners of World Spay Day 2013.
“I was so pleased when I heard the results from World Spay Day in 2012,” said legendary actress Doris Day. “It is a dream come true for me to see how the spay/neuter program has grown over the years and how, by working together, the Doris Day Animal Foundation, along with the Doris Day Animal League under the supervision of The Humane Society of the United States have been able to accomplish so much. This year the Doris Day Animal Foundation will award a $75,000 grant to fund spay/neuter for pets in 16 towns and cities in 14 states." (quote from HSUS Feb. 4, 2013 Press Release)
World Spay Day falls on the last Tuesday of February each year. This year the date is Feb. 26. However, events and activities in recognition of Spay Day are held throughout the month. Many organizations offer spay and neuter services at a reduced cost or no cost in February in honor of World Spay Day.
The main objective of World Spay Day is to inspire and encourage individuals to have their pets and other animals in need spayed or neutered. Other objectives include raising money to fund spay/neuters for feral cats and strays and animals whose caretakers need financial assistance and educating the public of the urgency and necessity of spaying and neutering their family pets.
Click here to find a World Spay Day event in your area that you can participate in.
Click here to read a previous article about low-cost spay and neuter services in the metro Atlanta area.
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