By Meredith Ayan, Executive Director
Here at SPCA International, we talk a lot about spay and neuter. I know it can seem like a tired subject because it is such a common practice here in North America. However, in many developing countries around the world, sterilizing pets is a new concept, and it is just starting to catch on.
That’s the good news, though. Spaying and neutering pets is becoming more common in some of the most unlikely places, thanks to incredible SPCA International partner organizations. Last year, we supported organizations on every continent (except Antarctica) that are working hard to improve the health and living conditions of vulnerable animals by reducing suffering through spay and neuter initiatives.
SPCA International provides direct cash grants through our Shelter Support Fund and veterinary supplies through our Veterinary Supply Aid program for animal welfare organizations across the globe that have limited resources. These resources ensure that the surgeries can be carried out with the proper, sterilized instruments and necessary medications.
These partner organizations are carrying the message to rural villages and urban cities that spaying and neutering is humane and practical. Beyond educating the public, they are also setting up free and low-cost spay and neuter campaigns to ensure people can access the care their pets need. In many remote places there are no established veterinary clinics or regular access to veterinary care which makes these low cost campaigns incredibly important. Across the globe, millions of animals are born, live short lives and die on the streets. These animals experience extreme suffering, which is why spay and neuter is so critical. Every animal spayed or neutered saves several thousand potential animals from suffering. At SPCA International we will continue to work toward the day that no animal has to suffer from simply being born into an inhospitable environment.