Despite a stagnant economy, Sacramento area veterinary clinics and animal shelters are poised to give away as much as $160,000 in services to pet owners in need as part of “Spay Day Sacramento” on February 28.

Operated annually by the nonprofit Sacramento Area Animal Coalition (SAAC), Spay Day Sacramento is the largest one-day spay/neuter event in the country. This year, approximately 800 dogs and cats will receive spay/neuter surgery for just $20 per dog and $15 per cat.

According to SAAC board member Kim Kinnee, spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted pets in the Sacramento area. About half of the 40,000 animals entering Sacramento’s three shelters each year are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.

Spaying and neutering can also provide health and behavior benefits to the animals, she said. For example, spaying female pets can reduce or eliminate the risk of certain cancers. Neutering male pets can reduce or eliminate annoying behavior like urine marking, spraying and mounting; reduce fighting with other males; and reduce the risk of certain infections and diseases.

“Spaying and neutering benefits both people and pets,” Kinnee said. “Animals who are spayed and neutered can be healthier, better behaved and live longer, and they do not produce puppies and kittens who often end up being euthanized in shelters because there aren’t enough people willing to adopt them.”

Spay Day is open to residents of Sacramento, Yolo and Placer Counties with an annual household income of $35,000 or less. An advance appointment is required.

Pet owners can request a Spay Day appointment for up to two pets by calling (916) 808-SPAY [7729] beginning on Saturday, January 23.

For just $15 per cat and $20 per dog, each animal will receive approximately $250 worth of services, including spay/neuter surgery, permanent microchip identification, vaccinations and flea preventive. Spay/neuter surgeries will be performed on February 28 at more than 20 veterinary clinics, animal shelters and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Since 2000, SAAC has spayed and neutered more than 5,300 pets as part of Spay Day Sacramento. Learn more at www.sacanimal.org.