Spay/Neuter Awareness Month Kicks Off - Canine Wet Lab HQHVSN in Georgia

Join Georgia's Spay Neuter Awareness Month: Learn how vets train in high-volume clinic techniques to save dogs & reduce shelter overpopulation.

Author: Sara Castillo | Business Manager

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, Georgia marked the start of Spay/Neuter Awareness Month with a groundbreaking event that is setting new standards in veterinary education and animal welfare. The state hosted the nation’s first-ever one-day canine high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) wet lab at LifeLine Animal Project’s Atlanta facility. This collaborative training initiative brought together veterinarians, animal welfare advocates, and government leaders to tackle pet overpopulation through advanced surgical techniques.

Dr. Emi Kooyman, Owner & Veterinarian at Spay Neuter Vets, captured the significance of the event: "High-quality, lower-cost spay and neuter services are essential for controlling pet overpopulation and improving animal welfare, and hands-on training like this ensures more veterinarians are comfortable and efficient in performing these surgeries."

Breaking Ground: A Collaborative Triumph in Georgia Animal Welfare

This historic wet lab was made possible through a remarkable partnership between several organizations dedicated to advancing animal welfare. United Spay Alliance facilitated the event alongside LifeLine Animal Project, the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA), University of Georgia School of Law’s Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills, and the Georgia Pet Coalition; with instructors, support team members, and a day-of event coordinator from Spay Neuter Vets. Sponsored by the State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) Initiative and Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, the event exemplified how collaboration can address shelter overpopulation challenges effectively.

Hosted at LifeLine Animal Project’s facility on Presidential Drive, the wet lab provided veterinarians with hands-on training in HQHVSN techniques. This innovative approach not only enhances surgical skills but also makes spay/neuter services more accessible and efficient across communities.

Dr. Kooyman expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled to see so many animal welfare and government organizations come together to make this canine wet lab possible.” 

Shelter Overpopulation Solutions: Addressing Georgia’s Crisis

The need for spay/neuter services has never been more urgent. In 2024 alone, 22,000 dogs were euthanized in Georgia shelters, marking a 10% increase from 2023 according to data from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. In that year, Georgia ranked fifth for the number of animals euthanized in shelters. Nationally, Shelter Animals Count reported a 6% drop in live outcomes for dogs during the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year.

Spay/neuter clinics in Georgia play a critical role in addressing this crisis by providing affordable and accessible services to pet owners statewide. Spay Neuter Vets surgery center in Georgia and LifeLine Animal Project ensure that pet owners have access to high-quality care while contributing to reducing shelter intake numbers.

Inside the Wet Lab: Training Highlights

The wet lab offered veterinarians an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills through hands-on experience with shelter dogs from LifeLine Animal Project. Key aspects of the training included:

• Pediatric spay/neuter surgeries, which are essential for reducing shelter intake over time.

• Use of Fear-Free® protocols, ensuring minimal stress for animals during procedures.

• Instruction on efficient anesthesia, incision and surgery techniques to improve surgical outcomes and reduce recovery times.

Participants were enthusiastic about the training’s impact. The event also drew observers from other states eager to replicate this model locally, signaling its potential to create ripple effects across the nation. Two veterinarians observing from Greenville were excited to implement these wet labs in their state.

Ripple Effects: What’s Next for HQHVSN Training?

The success of wet lab has sparked momentum both within Georgia and beyond with the following ‘movements’ took place preceding this Canine Wet Lab training:

• State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) Initiative: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears envisions scaling HQHVSN access statewide as part of DeKalb County’s broader animal welfare strategy.

• National Expansion Continuity: United Spay Alliance scheduled more training events to carry out this wet lab model in other states like Oregon, amplifying its impact on shelter overpopulation solutions nationwide.

How You Can Support Shelter Overpopulation Solutions

Georgia’s success story is a reminder that everyone can contribute to improving animal welfare:

1. Advocate: Encourage local governments to fund affordable spay/neuter clinics in your community. In Georgia’s case, we’re grateful for the support of Commissioner Michelle Long Spears for helping fund these initiatives.

2. Donate: Support organizations like LifeLine Animal Project or United Spay Alliance that provide lifesaving services.

3. Adopt: Consider giving a home to pets from shelters like DeKalb County Animal Services.

4. Spay/Neuter Your Pets: Take action at home by scheduling a procedure at a trusted spay/neuter clinic like Spay Neuter Vets in Alpharetta, Georgia or other local providers. This simple step helps prevent overpopulation, improves your pet’s health, and contributes to the solution.

Conclusion

The nation’s first-ever one-day canine HQHVSN wet lab was more than just a training—it was a milestone in veterinary education and animal welfare advocacy. By equipping veterinarians with advanced surgical skills and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, this initiative is paving the way for sustainable solutions to pet overpopulation. A great way to kick off February - The Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.

As Dr. Kooyman aptly put it: "As we kick off Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, we are honored to be a part of this initiative and invest in the future of accessible veterinary care."

You can also contribute to the cause! Learn more about our High Quality and Low Cost Spay and Neuter Packages and schedule your booking with us!