For 16 years now, animal organizations across the country have held a day of awareness to encourage pet owners to cut down on the number of the nation’s unwanted cats and dogs.
Tuesday is Spay Day USA for the 17th year.
Veterinary clinics throughout Snohomish, Island, Skagit and King counties will be offering reduced-rate spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs.
Also, the PAWS organization in Lynnwood along with other local animal shelters will offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. Those shelters include Everett Animal Services, Homeward Pet Adoption Center, MEOW, NOAH, Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project, Pasado’s Safehaven, WAIF and Humane Society for Skagit Valley.
Last year, the vets and the shelters in Western Washington were able to spay and neuter more than 350 animals in one week, which will “keep thousands of new strays off the streets, and out of the shelters,” said PAWS spokesman Mark Coleman.
The discounted fees to spay or neuter an animal on Spay Day are $40 for male or female cats or kittens and $80 for male or female dogs or puppies. Pet owners could face additional charges if their animals require shots or are overweight or old or have some other medical condition.
Spay Day is open to all pet owners regardless of income level, according to PAWS, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society. For a list of participating clinics to set up an appointment, go to the PAWS website at www.paws.org.
If you can’t set up an appointment for Tuesday, several clinics are offering discounts on other days and some clinics offer low-cost rates year-round.
The annual Spay Day USA helps to curb the rise of homeless animals and can also help animals live longer and healthier lives, according to the PAWS website.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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