At the August 17 Spayathon, four veterinary teams will perform dozens of dog and cat spay/neuter surgeries, a critical expansion in response to long waitlists caused by high community need and nationwide veterinary staff shortages. Surgeries, to be performed in C.A.R.E.4Paws’ two mobile units and inside SBCAS shelter clinic, are offered for free or for a donation for low-income families (a small fee applies for post-op medication and e-collar) thanks to two matching grant challenges from the John J. and Frank Sparacio Foundation and local nonprofit ResQcats. Donations toward surgeries are matched, dollar for dollar, through the donation match in an effort to engage community support for the Spayathon.
From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., C.A.R.E.4Paws also offers low-cost vaccines, flea treatment, deworming medication and nail trims for dogs and cats on a walk-in, first-come, first-serve basis. Microchips are free thanks to a sponsorship from SBCAS.
“We see more and more pet families struggling to access affordable care,” says SBCAS’s director, Sarah Aguilar. “Events like this reduce the number of animals entering our shelter system and ensure pets stay where they belong—at home.” She adds, “These collaborations empower us to create safety nets, improve health and honor the profound human-animal bond.”
Following the August 17 event, C.A.R.E.4Paws will host a similar clinic in Paso Robles at Pioneer Park on September 21 with support from SLO County Animal Services. The organization’s goal is to provide bimonthly spayathons through 2025 and 2026.
For more information and to inquire about an appointment visit C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach. To learn more about C.A.R.E.4Paws in general and find out how to contribute to the organization, visit care4paws.org. To learn more about SBCAS and find adoptable pets, visit countyofsb.org/415/Animal-Services and countyofsb.org/1381/Adoptable-Animal-Search.