Delaware Humane to host free spay/neuter clinics April 10, 20

Delaware Humane Association, a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, recognizes the financial strain many pet owners and animal caretakers face when it comes to medical care. Outdoor and free-roaming cat colony caretakers are also faced with the challenge of increasing cat populations.

Thanks to the generous support of the Delaware Animal Welfare License Plate Fund, the organization will host free spay/neuter clinics in April. 

The DHA free spay/neuter clinic date for cats only is Saturday, April 10, focusing on outdoor/free-roaming community cats throughout Delaware.

The DHA free spay/neuter clinic date for dogs only is set for Tuesday, April 20, focusing on mixed bully breeds such as pit bull and mastiff all over Delaware.

Lack of spay and neuter procedures to prevent breeding can lead to explosive animal population growth, resulting in many homeless animals in Delaware and across the United States. It puts financial strain on those tasked with caring for animals, including governments, nonprofit animal shelters and rescue agencies, animal advocates and caretakers. Spaying and neutering significantly reduces the number of animals euthanized at open intake shelters or turned away at no-kill shelters due to lack of space. It also decreases the cost of picking up and housing stray or unwanted animals, and lowers threats to public health and safety. It increases pets’ lifespan and improves the quality of life for both people and animals.

This series of free spay/neuter clinics comes at a crucial time as kitten season approaches. “Spring typically means we’ll begin to see an increase in cat intake due to the birth of so many new kittens,” said Courtney Anderson, DHA director of animal welfare.

DHA specifications and eligibility include:
• Kittens must be at least 4 months old to be eligible for surgery
• All cats must be transported in a hard-sided carrier or trap
• Surgery days only cover the cost of spay and neuter services, as well as a 1-year rabies vaccine; any additional services will be an out-of-pocket expense with payment due the day of surgery
• Sussex County cat caretakers who need transportation assistance can bring cats to DHA’s Rehoboth Beach adoption center, where DHA staff can transport them to the Wilmington medical facility. Cats must be dropped off between 7 and 7:30 a.m. at 18675 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, and can be picked up at the same location that evening.

To reserve a spot, call 302-571-8171 and leave a message. DHA will call back to confirm. Questions can be directed to canderson@delawarehumane.org.

Founded in 1995 and awarded through the Delaware office of Animal Welfare, the Animal Welfare License Plate Fund supports spay/neuter surgeries for community cats, assists low-income pet owners, and supplements spay/neuter funds for Delaware shelters and rescues like DHA. Special animal welfare license plates sell for $50 at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, with $35 from each sale going to the animal welfare fund. DHA’s free spay/neuter clinics are made possible by Delawareans who show their love for animals by purchasing these special license plates.