Spay/neuter is essential in shelter and community animal medicine because it directly reduces overpopulation and improves animal welfare. In shelters, sterilization prevents unplanned litters, decreases overcrowding, and lowers euthanasia rates. It also reduces behaviours like roaming and aggression, helping adopted animals remain successfully in their new homes.

In community settings, accessible spay/neuter programs limit the number of stray and free-roaming animals, easing pressure on shelters and supporting public health by reducing disease transmission and bite-related incidents. Sterilization also provides major health benefits, including prevention of reproductive cancers and life-threatening infections such as pyometra.

By making spay/neuter affordable and available, communities promote responsible ownership and create more sustainable, humane conditions for both animals and people. The following is a collection of Spay/Neuter resources across North America:

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance

The ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance provides education and training on high-volume, high-quality, low-cost spay and neuter. Training is provided for veterinary students, private practice veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and administrators.

Humane Canada Spay/Neuter Toolkit

Animal welfare organizations and veterinarians widely agree that a key solution to the crisis of overpopulation and homelessness of companion animals is accessible, affordable spay/neuter surgery. Furthermore, accessible spay/neuter initiatives have positive outcomes for public health and safety, which translates to  reduced public spending. Access Humane Canada’s Accessible Spay and Neuter Toolkit.

Medical Care Guidelines

NEW Spay/Neuter Guidelines (Association of Shelter Veterinarians 2016)

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance Videos

Spay/Neuter Surgery Techniques

Draping Techniques During Spay/Neuter Surgery

Obtaining Suture & Threading Needle in Spay/Neuter Surgery

How to Perform Scrotal Neuter Surgery

Spay Incision Placement

Knots & Ties in Spay/Neuter Surgery

How to Use a Spay Hook in Surgery

Closure Techniques in Spay Surgery

Spay/Neuter Tattoo Application

All Spay/Neuter Mentorship Materials

Webinars

The History of High-Quality High-Volume Spay-Neuter

Is that Cat Feral?

Ergonomics for Surgeons