The Seattle Animal Shelter reminds the public that the Spay and Neuter Clinic is offering free spay/neuter packages to area pets this week. Microchips and vaccinations are also offered free for animals having surgery through this promotion. Space is limited; to schedule an appointment, call 206-386-4260.

“Spaying and neutering allows your pet to have a longer, healthier, happier life,” says Dr. Mary Ellen Zoulas, director of the shelter’s Spay and Neuter Clinic. “It can reduce the risk of serious health problems, eliminate undesirable behaviors such as fighting and spraying, and reduce inter-dog aggression.”

The free services are offered in recognition of “World Spay Day,” an international effort to promote the spaying and neutering of pets as the most effective and humane way to decrease the euthanasia of homeless animals in shelters throughout the world. The promotion is possible because of a generous grant from the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, as well as the City’s “Pet Populations Control Fund,” which provides financial assistance year-round to pet owners who cannot afford the cost of spaying and neutering. Mayor Ed Murray yesterday issued a proclamation in recognition of World Spay Day.

“Around the country millions of adoptable animals are unnecessarily euthanized every year because of overpopulation. One of the best things you can do for your community, and most importantly your pet, is to have your pet spayed or neutered,” said Mayor Murray.

“Due to a lack of critical resources and public awareness, humane societies and animal shelters across the nation have no choice but to humanely euthanize millions of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals each year, many of whom are healthy and adoptable,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “You can help by having your pet spayed or neutered, or by sponsoring the spaying or neutering of another person’s pet, a feral cat or of an animal in a shelter awaiting adoption.”

This Spay Day promotion offers significant savings for Seattle pet owners. Spay and neuter surgeries usually cost $120-$155 for dogs, $85-$90 for cats and $75 for rabbits. Microchips are normally $30 and vaccinations run $10 each. While there is no residency requirement to take advantage of this special offer, pets of Seattle residents must be currently licensed or a license can be purchased on the day of the appointment. For altered animals, a one-year license is $20 for cats/$27 for dogs, and a two-year license is $27 for cats/$37 for dogs.

There are other ways you can celebrate Spay Day in February and throughout the year:

· Donate to the “Pet Population Control Fund” at the Seattle Animal Shelter.
· Talk to your friends, neighbors and family about getting their pets spayed or neutered.
Year-round the Seattle Animal Shelter’s Spay and Neuter Clinic is able to help those in need with discounted or free spay/neuter surgeries.

“World Spay Day” is an international campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. During the month of February, animal shelters and animal welfare agencies throughout the world join forces to promote the spaying and neutering of pets as the most effective and humane way to decrease the euthanasia of homeless animals in shelters throughout the world.

To learn about other clinics providing discounted or free services in King, Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties, visit http://www.paws.org/spay-day.html. Not in the area? Visit the Humane Society of the United States’ World Spay Day page at http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/spay_day/.

For more information about Spay Day Seattle, to make a donation to the Pet Population Control Fund, or to learn more about other Seattle Animal Shelter services, call 206-386-7387 (PETS), or visit www.seattleanimalshelter.org.