Reno, NV – Options Veterinary Care nonprofit clinic is spearheading a month long spay/neuter event for February in collaboration with Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS), the SPCA of Northern Nevada (SPCA-NN), Pet Network Humane Society, and several local rescue groups. The goal is to share information about the need for spay/neuter in our community and together fix over 500 dogs and cats in Washoe County in February. World Spay Day is February 25, 2025, inspiring this month-long effort to highlight the need in our community. Other participating local nonprofits include Res-Que, For Pet’s Sake, Community Cats of Reno, and Feral at Heart.
“Accidental litters create more unwanted, homeless animals that put a strain on our animal shelter. In 2024, 611 puppies and 721 kittens were brought to Animal Services, many of which were litters (unlikely to be lost animals, but rather unwanted offspring). By ensuring our pets are spayed or neutered, we can all help minimize the overpopulation burden and support better outcomes for pets that truly need our help,” said Shyanne Schull, Director of WCRAS.
“Spay/neuter is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect cats and dogs from suffering. It helps keep pets in homes and out of shelters in addition to providing many health benefits for pets,” said Bonney Brown, president of Options Veterinary Care nonprofit clinic in Reno.
“Our community of pet lovers need a lot of support right now to access affordable spay/neuter. Collaboration is so important to providing these services; especially considering the massive veterinarian shortage in our region. We’re grateful for this opportunity and all our regional veterinarians!” said Jill Vacchina Dobbs, Executive Director of the SPCA of Northern Nevada.
Because the demand for spay/neuter exceeds the availability of services, (in part because of the nationwide shortage of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians) local groups are working together and several are offering additional services to help meet the need including:
WCRAS is providing spay/neuter surgeries in conjunction with a local rescue group.
Options Veterinary Care is providing free spay/neuter for community cats (outdoor and feral cats) and for rescue groups in Washoe County, as well as affordable spay/neuter for the public, including free vaccines and microchips.
WCRAS and SPCA of Northern Nevada veterinarians and staff are providing additional spay/neuter days at Options Veterinary Care’s clinic this month.
Spay/Neuter Assistance:
The SPCA of Northern Nevada will be offering affordable spay/neuter vouchers for local vet clinics starting February 11, 2025. Their Spay Neuter Clinic will be accepting appointments on February 20, 2025, at 8 am for March. Get more information on both programs here: https://spcanevada.org/services/spay-neuter/
Options Veterinary Care offers spay/neuter for dogs and cats, including financial assistance made possible by ARPA funding for people who cannot afford services and free spay/neuter for community cats. Call 775-499-3700, extension 1 for more information.
Outdoor Cats: Do you see or feed cats outdoors? Call Community Cats of Reno for assistance and spay/neuter information for these cats at 775-360-8053.
People who get their pets or community cats fixed through one of these programs in February will be entered into a raffle to win prizes.
Why should pets be fixed? The benefits of spay and neuter include:
Significantly reduces the number of unwanted litters and homeless pets and eases the burden on animal shelters that often struggle with overcrowding.
Neutered pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Provides behavioral benefits for your pets, reducing undesirable behaviors, like humping, spray-marking, and roaming.
Benefits the community in terms of public health and safety and lowers costs for sheltering and animal services.
If you would like more information about Spay/Neuter Awareness Month in Washoe County visit: https://www.optionsveterinarycare.org/sn2025.
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Options Veterinary Care is a nonprofit clinic in Reno, Nevada that provides affordable, quality veterinary care to those who cannot afford it, preventing suffering for pets and keeping them with the people who love them. It is a program of Humane Network. 70% of the pet owners served at Options are senior citizens living on limited income. All donations are tax-deductible and help local pets in need.
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