DHSS Press Release

Josette Manning, Secretary
DPH Media Relations Coordinator Contact:
Laura Matusheski
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: February 7, 2025
DHSS-2-2025

OFFICE OF ANIMAL WELFARE SPONSORS SPAY DAYS TO HELP ELIGIBLE PET OWNERS SHOW LOVE THIS FEBRUARY

DOVER, Del. (Feb. 7, 2025) - February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, and the Delaware Division of Public Health's Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) is proud to sponsor Spay Days, a special opportunity for income-eligible Delaware residents to have their pets spayed or neutered at no cost. As an added benefit, the program also covers microchipping, rabies, and distemper vaccinations to help ensure pets live healthier, safer lives.

Through this initiative, qualifying pet owners can schedule appointments at participating veterinary clinics, including Humane Animal Partners, Faithful Friends Animal Society, Forgotten Cats, and Brandywine Valley SPCA. The Spay & Neuter Program (SNP), established by the Delaware General Assembly in 2006 to reduce the number of stray and unwanted cats and dogs, provides spay/neuter funding to:

Low-income Delaware pet owners.
Homeless animals taken in by shelters and rescues.
Community cats sterilized through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs*.

*Nonprofit animal welfare organizations may also apply for grants to help sterilize homeless Delaware animals, with a priority on community cats.

Spaying and neutering are nationally recognized as the most effective, humane method of controlling unwanted pet populations. When the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) was established in 2013, one of its key responsibilities was to manage the SNP. Between 2014 and June 2024, the program made possible the sterilization of more than 40,000 animals and the vaccination of over 31,000 animals against rabies.

"Spay/neuter services are essential for improving the well-being of pets and preventing unwanted litters," said Joanna Miller, deputy director of OAW. "We encourage eligible pet owners to take advantage of this program and show their pets some extra love this month."

Appointments are limited, so eligible pet owners are encouraged to schedule as soon as possible. For more information about Spay Days, including eligibility requirements and how to make an appointment, visit https://fixedandfab.com/web/index#home.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

OFFICE OF ANIMAL WELFARE SPONSORS SPAY DAYS TO HELP ELIGIBLE PET OWNERS SHOW LOVE THIS FEBRUARY

Delaware's Government