Free Spay/Neuter Services Offered to Capitola-Soquel Pet Owners

Calling all pet owners: In honor of World Spay Day 2013, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) and Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter (FOWAS) will offer free spay or neuter surgeries for resident dogs, cats and rabbits. 

The SCCAS has two locations, one at 2200 7th Avenue in Live Oak and one at 580 Airport Boulevard in Watsonville.

Registration will be available on Sunday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Animal owners don’t have to bring their pets to register, but must bring proof of residence in Santa Cruz County. There’s a limit of two pets per resident.

The goals of the program, according to the SCCAS, are to help reduce the County’s homeless animal population, as well as help pet owners comply with current laws, which state that dogs and cats over six months old must be spayed and neutered. 

All surgeries are performed at our Santa Cruz shelter location by a licensed veterinarian with a professional focus on spay and neuter procedures. 

Surgeries include a preoperative exam by a veterinarian, pain medication and dissolvable sutures.

To receive the free spay or neuter surgery, SCCAS provides and requires a rabies vaccination (if not current), a microchip, a dog license (if not current), and a blood panel test if the animal is over seven years of age. These fees are a minimum of $35.

In addition to reducing the number of unwanted animals, spaying or neutering a pet can reduce offensive behaviors like urine spraying, as well as eliminate or reduce the risks of ovarian, uterine, mammary, testicular and prostate cancers, according to the SCCAS.

For more information, call 831-454-7303 or visit our website www.scanimalshelter.org.

Related Topics: Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter and World Spay Day