AWLA To Offer Discounted Spay and Neuter Service

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by ARLnow.com — January 25, 2012 at 2:30 pm 1,595 10 Comments

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is offering discounted spay and neuter service for low-income pet owners during the month of February.

In recognition of World Spay Day, AWLA will be offering low-cost spays and neuters on four days: Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Participants must bring proof that their annual household income is $40,000 or less. The service will cost $25 for male cats and $50 for female cats and all dogs.

“Spaying cats and dogs eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer, while neutering eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer,” AWLA noted in a press release. “Spaying and neutering reduces the potential for territorial marking, especially in your home, makes pets less likely to run away, and helps to reduce aggressive behavior, especially in dogs.”

“We do have limited space for this event, so if you qualify and would like to register your pet, please send an e-mail to Kimberly Harman at [email protected] or call her at (703) 931-9241 x246,” the AWLA added.

World Spay Day, promoted by the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, is Feb. 28.

Euchnichsville

So they are spaying and neutering the owners for free?
- Really
  
  The voluntary sterilization of low income people. Any idea of they will implant neuticles?
Male Dog

I hate you, AWLA. I really hate you.
novasteve

Is that total price including medications and stuff to alleviate pain/make the procedure safer especially for females? They might not even do an IV for that price.
- AllenB
  
  From the link “Call 703-931-9241 x200 for details.”
  
  Try it and let us know.
Mitt

Newt-er
bobco85

Buyer beware: you will get what you pay for. Cheap spay could equal low quality.

I tried the low income spay service for my cat a few years ago through the AWLA. They told me that my cat would be taken to a vet in DC for the procedure. When I picked her up from the AWLA (off Arlington Mill), she seemed fine, but a few weeks later all the symptoms of a cat in heat returned. Long story short, I ended up taking her to Ballston Animal Hospital where they performed surgery and discovered that an entire ovary and fallopian tube had been left inside her! I mean, really, how does someone miss that? Btw, I still take my cat to Ballston Animal Hospital and recommend them to anyone with cat(s).

I certainly hope that my (cat’s) experience was the exception and not the norm with this program, but I cannot recommend trying this cheap alternative without doing some research on which veterinarians your pet will be taken to. And remember, if there is any reproductive tissue left in your cat after getting spayed, your cat will continue to secrete hormones on a regular basis that make it act like it’s still in heat.
- PL25rd
  
  I definitely recommend Ballston Animal Hospital, too. We take our dog (who was a rescue) there.
- Spay Neuter
  
  One reason why they don’t use the DC clinic any longer. They have a vet on staff now that does all the surgeries and she and her team are FANTASTIC!! Great advancements AWLA. You do a great job with so little recognition or thanks for all the hard work and services you offer the public.
doglover

I believe past Spay Day surgeries were done at the Washington Spay-Neuter clinic, which due to the volume of surgeries it performed for organizations throughout the region sometimes had issues with more difficult cases. This year, surgeries will be done in-house by the AWLA staff veterinarian, which will hopefully lead to smoother outcomes for all patients! And yes, the fee does include post-op antibiotics and pain medication.

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