Paws and Claws: World Spay Day helps control pet populations

Photo credit Priscilla Du Preez via unsplash.com

by Cindy Anderson, DVM

The Doris Day Animal Foundation is a national, nonprofit founded in 1978 by the legendary performer Doris Day, who was affectionately known as “The Dog Catcher of Beverly Hills.” The DDAF has a straightforward mission that continues to this day — helping animals and the people who love them.

Doris Day’s grassroots efforts were rescuing hundreds of animals over the years. But Doris knew that just rescuing these pets was not enough. She had to address the root cause of the issue, so in 1995, she founded Spay Day USA, now known as World Spay Day. This annual event, taking place this year on Feb. 22,  helps prevent thousands of unwanted puppies and kittens, which helps keep shelters from being overwhelmed.

World Spay Day advocates spaying or neutering “as a proven means of saving lives of companion animals, community (feral and stray) cats, and street dogs who might otherwise be put down in shelters.”

Millions of cats and dogs are euthanized each year because of shelter overcrowding, in part, caused by the overpopulation of companion animals across the world. World Spay Day helps to spread awareness about this issue and to educate the public on the importance of spaying/neutering pets.

I (Dr. Cindy) have participated in World Spay Day for many years as it is something I feel very passionate about. Every year I have tried to come up with a different special that allows as many pets as possible to be “fixed.” Please join me and my staff in this event!

Aside from the population issue, there are many benefits of spaying or neutering your pets. Spaying and neutering can eliminate your pet’s chance of developing certain life-threatening cancers and infections, such as prostate or ovarian cancer. Also, spaying/neutering can decrease your pet’s long-term health care costs and even reduce those behavioral issues associated with the mating instinct.

The staff of Lakelands Trail Veterinary Clinic, 4525 S. Michigan 52, Stockbridge, MI 49285; 517-655-555; would be happy to assist you with any of your questions about spaying and neutering.

Cindy Anderson, DVM,  is a graduate of MSU Veterinary College (1992) and has practiced veterinary medicine for over 28 years