HSVMA Sponsors World Spay Day Event in Madison to Sterilize Cats and Educate Veterinary Professional Students

February 15, 2013

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association is sponsoring a spay/neuter clinic conducted by the Dane County Friends of Ferals in conjunction with Madison College on Saturday, Feb. 16. Veterinary technician students from Madison College and Globe University and veterinary students from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine will join forces with local volunteer veterinary professionals to sterilize feral, free-roaming and pet cats from throughout the county as part of World Spay Day 2013.

The HSVMA is a proud partner of World Spay Day, a campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. The campaign is celebrated annually on the fourth Tuesday of February, Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. On Feb. 26 and throughout the month, organizations and individuals worldwide will promote spay/neuter as a way to save the lives of dogs and cats.

Now in its third year, the World Spay Day partnership between HSVMA, DCFoF and area universities has resulted in the sterilization of more than more than 230 cats.

Susan Krebsbach, DVM, an HSVMA veterinary advisor who helps coordinate the event, stated, "What makes these Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association events special is that they support the education of veterinary and veterinary technician students in a way that benefits both the animals and the community."

CC Sheldon, DVM, an instructor at Madison College’s veterinary technician program and DCFoF board member, adds, "The hands-on experience students receive at these events is invaluable. It helps them become more technically skilled and also to become more compassionate veterinary professionals."

HSVMA works to improve veterinary students’ access to beneficial surgical training opportunities through direct care services, educational workshops and advocacy initiatives. Last year alone, the HSVMA Rural Area Services clinics helped train more than 300 veterinary students while providing free medical care valued at $1.3 million to almost 7,000 animals in remote and underserved areas across the U.S. and abroad.

Find more information on World Spay Day events click here. For more information on how veterinary professionals can get involved with World Spay Day 2013, click here.

Note: All available appointments for the procedures are filled.

Media Contact: Niki Ianni, 301-548-7793, [email protected]