World Spay Day

February 25

Calendar Date

Sun, 02/25/2024

Tue, 02/25/2025

Month

February

Rule

February 25

#SpayDay

World Spay Day is February 25th

The decision to spay or neuter your pet is an important one for pet owners. It can be the single best decision you make.

In 1995, Doris Day and her animal league initiated National Spay Day due to high annual euthanasia rates in overcrowded shelters. Each year there are an estimated 14 and 17 million dogs and cats being euthanized in overcrowded shelters. This annual event has grown to global proportions in 74 countries, resulting in the spay/neuter of millions of animals. The Doris Day Animal Foundation provides annual grants for World Spay Day, now organized under the auspices of the Humane Society of the United States, to promote spays and neuters across the country to help eliminate homeless pet overpopulation.

4 Reasons You Should Be Spaying Your Animals

Reduces pet homelessness: In the U.S., there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year.
Pet Health: A USA Today (May 7, 2013) article cites that pets who live in the states with the highest rates of spaying/neutering also live the longest. According to the report, neutered male dogs live 18% longer than unneutered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs. Unspayed female cats and dogs have a far greater chance of developing Pyometra (a fatal uterine infection), uterine cancer, and other cancers of the reproductive system. Medical evidence indicates that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Male pets who are neutered eliminate their chances of getting testicular cancer, and it is thought they have lowered rates of prostate cancer as well.
Curbs Bad Behavior: curbing behavior such as marking of territory, roaming, especially when females are "in heat”, aggression, mounting, and other dominance-related behaviors.
Cuts Costs: Renewing your pet's license can be more expensive, too. Many counties have spay/neuter laws that require pets to be sterilized or require people with unaltered pets to pay higher license renewal fees. Also, vet bills can get costly if your pet has health issues.

Participation ideas for shelters and rescues

Promote your spay/neuter programs on social media such as Twitter and Facebook. Use hashtag #worldspayday
Ask your legislator(s) to adopt a resolution proclaiming the last Tuesday in February “World Spay Day” in your town or city, county or parish, or even your state! Check in with your HSUS state director, who may be able to connect you with your HSUS district leader or HSUS state council member.
Host a special spay/neuter event that reaches people who usually lack access to services, such as those living in underserved areas, or that assists community (feral and stray) cat caretakers. (Dumb Friends League holds an annual one)
Raise money for your spay/neuter programs.