February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, and many shelters, veterinarians and other pet organizations observe the event by joining forces and offering special incentives for spaying or neutering of pets.
February 26th was World Spay Day, an event created by Doris Day back in 1995 through her foundation the Doris Day Animal League. Over the years, the Human Society of the United States became involved and promotes World Spay Day itself, as well as countless other animal organizations around the world.
According to world-renowned dog lover, Cesar Millan, there are over six hundred million unwanted dogs in the world (not to mention cats and other unwanted domestic animals!). In the United States alone, millions upon millions are killed in "shelters" that are over-populated with unwanted animals. Millan says, "Spaying and neutering is an easy, low-cost way of reducing the over-population problem and preventing the needless death of these wonderful animals."
According to the HSUS Facebook page "Every 8 seconds, a cat or dog is euthanized in a U.S. shelter. You can save lives. Please spay or neuter your pets."
World Spay Day events and Spay/Neuter Awareness Month events abound throughout Massachusetts and indeed the whole country. Many vets and shelters offer free or low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Fundraisers are held to benefit these programs, and educational programs are provided in order to help educate pet owners of the challenges surrounding un-neutered animals. These programs are especially helpful for low-income families who love their pets but can't afford to spay or neuter.
Such programs have helped save the lives of countless animals, but it is still not enough. For every animal that enters a shelter or rescue, the average cost is about $175 or more. Most of these organizations are non-profits, and subsist on donations alone.
Fairy DogParents' objective is to keep pet parents from having to surrender their dog to a Massachusetts shelter or rescue by providing financial assistance for those who qualify for benefits. We are pleased to have been able to provide spay/neuter surgery to many dogs throughout the Commonwealth, as well as food and other medical care.
Many local shelters and rescues offer discounted spay/neuter services in February, and also year-round. Check their individual web sites for more information. Second Chance Animal Shelter in the Brookfields has a great discount program!
For details on Spay/Neuter Awareness Month or World Spay Day, check the Humane Society of the United States' web site or the Doris Day Animal League.
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