World Spay Day: 134 Local Animals Spayed or Neutered

Three local animal welfare groups performed 134 spay and neuter surgeries on Feb. 24, offering $5 procedures across multiple clinics and a mobile unit to expand access to affordable care.

On Feb. 24, Santa Barbara Humane, Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society and ASAP Cats partnered for World Spay Day and completed 134 spay and neuter surgeries. The $5 event ran across Santa Barbara and Santa Maria clinics, a Mobile Veterinary Unit, and the Buellton clinic. Organizers said the effort aimed to increase access to affordable veterinary care and reduce pet overpopulation. Santa Barbara Humane's chief veterinary officer, Dr. Katie Marrie, called the day a powerful example of collaboration. Key facts: - A total of 134 spay and neuter surgeries were performed during the coordinated World Spay Day effort on Feb. 24. - Santa Barbara Humane completed 93 surgeries across its Santa Barbara and Santa Maria clinics and its Mobile Veterinary Unit. - ASAP Cats performed 23 cat surgeries and one dog surgery, and Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society conducted 17 surgeries at its Buellton clinic. - Surgeries were offered for $5 to increase access to affordable care in the region. - By coordinating veterinary teams and clinic capacity, the groups served pet owners from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria and the Santa Ynez Valley in a single day. - Santa Barbara Humane is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served Santa Barbara County for more than 135 years and is independent of national humane organizations. Summary: The coordinated event increased short-term access to low-cost spay and neuter services and illustrated how shared veterinary resources can reach more pet owners across the county. Organizers said affordable spay and neuter services continue to be offered year-round by the participating groups. Undetermined at this time.