PURPOSE & HISTORY OF
NATIONAL SPAY-NEUTER
AWARENESS MONTH
Pictured above: Why Spay or Neuter
This month is set aside each year to bring awareness to and advocate for spaying and neutering to reduce the tragic effects of pet overpopulation. Some people think it is harmful to the animal, might eventually end the species, or don’t understand the consequences of the animal remaining intact. Education plus affordable pet care services are key to decreasing the number of surplus animals born unnecessarily. Euthanasia is not. We were interested in learning about the origins of this initiative, and found a timeline from a National Today publication:
• 1930s: Spaying and neutering household pets becomes widely accessible in the US.
• 1969: The first spay/neuter clinic opens in Los Angeles.
• 1972: The ASPCA announces that all adopted animals must be neutered or spayed.
• 1990s: Feral cat trap-neuter-release programs begin to be implemented.
Here is our spay and neuter timeline
• 1993: SNAP's first volunteer group organized, understanding adoption alone is not going to save lives.
• 1996: SNAP becomes charitable organization, educating the public about the importance of spaying and neutering pets and creating first "spay neuter referral list" for San Diego.
• 2003: Original Neuter Scooter completed and hosts San Diegos's first affordable spay and neuter clinic in Azelea Park.
• 2007: Second Neuter Scooter arrives, donated through United Hope.
• 2019: The "New Neuter Scooter" construction begins.
• 2020: First free spay and neuter clinic on the New Neuter Scooter, honoring our military in Miramar.
• 2021: SNAP North provides high volume S/N in unincorporated SD and sovereign nations.
• 2022: SNAP East targets east county pets.
• TODAY: over 70,000 spays and neuters for San Diego pets, preventing millions of orphaned animals.
SHELTER VALLEY TO BENEFIT
FROM BETTY WHITE CHALLENGE
Above: a long drive to Shelter Valley.
The New Neuter Scooter and SNAP North medical team is ready to go help!
#bettywhitechallenge
The onset of pet overpopulation in Shelter Valley has been recognized and brought to our attention, by an animal control officer at the San Diego Department of Animal Services (DAS). San Diego residents have been moving their families to this desert community because of its affordability and are bringing pets with them. Unfortunately, there are no low-cost veterinarians nearby for those who need to spay-neuter. DAS requested a clinic in this location before the devastating cycle of pet overpopulation takes hold. We will use the proceeds from the Betty White Challenge to hold a free clinic in Shelter Valley, which has been scheduled for March 11. We think that Betty would approve! You can still donate to this project, please note "for Betty White" when you make your donation HERE.
PAW WARS 2022
Above: PAW WARS has begun.
As reported in the January e-news edition, everyone is invited to participate in PAW WARS 2022, in recognition of National Spay Neuter Awareness Month. The contest runs February 1-28 (thank you to the early contestants!). We promised to keep you posted on the lead pet, and, so far, dogs are in first place. Our goal is to raise enough money to host a FREE clinic for the winning pet in an underserved community. Last year it was an all-cat clinic, but this year? Votes for DOG, CAT, or RABBIT start at $1 each and you can vote as often as you like. Cast your vote today by clicking on the QR code for your pet of choice. If you prefer sending a check, please make payable to SNAP, POB 235287, Encinitas, CA 92023. Be sure to put which pet you are voting for in the memo section. Good luck!
TRIBAL SNAP PROGRAM FUNDED & RUNNING ON SCHEDULE
We held our first Tribal SNAP clinic of 2022 at the La Jolla reservation on January 22nd. PetSmart Charities funded 12 clinics for both 2022 and 2023. Up next is Santa Ysabel on February 24th and 25th, and for the first time since implementation of the program in 2017, we will be holding clinics at Barona on March 25th and 26th. The funding covers the entire cost of each clinic including partial lodging for our medical team on the first night, to avoid two extensive round trips after long days of surgery. We are not financially able to provide a fuel stipend from unrestricted funds; thus, we are asking if you would consider a donation to help our medical team with this out-of-pocket expense in February and March. Please click HERE if you can help and be sure to note “fuel stipend” in the memo section online or if donating by check. Thank you.
IN OTHER NEWS
Above: Examining cats in the Neuter Scooter at SNAP East
- SNAP East has 50 surgeries sponsored each week by The ACES Foundation to benefit El Cajon pets.
- SNAP North has added the Kit Carson Park Amphitheatre as a new clinic site to accommodate south Escondido residents. The East Valley Community Center serves other residents of Escondido as well as Valley Center.
- A free “Kitties & Pitties” clinic held on February 10th benefited 30 El Cajon pets. The event was sponsored by felines Raphael & Leonardo who gave generously during the Giving Tuesday 2021 campaign.
- A free microchip clinic is being sponsored by the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary on February 19th for Fallbrook residents only held at Fallbrook Fertilizer and Feed lot.
- We are implementing microchip clinics for $10 per implant and onsite registration to coincide with many of our scheduled spay-neuter clinics. Please follow SNAP on social media to get up to date times and locations: Instagram or Facebook
Above: "Kitties and Pitties" Free Spay and Neuter, sponsored by Leonardo & Raphael
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