SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz County pet owners will have an opportunity next month to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered at reduced cost during a three-day clinic hosted by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter in partnership with Animal Balance, an international non-governmental veterinary organization.
The clinic is scheduled for Feb. 20-22 and is expected to serve up to 200 pets. In addition to spay and neuter surgeries, pets will receive core vaccinations and a microchip. Registration is now open through the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter website.
The cost is $150 for cats and $300 for dogs. Reduced fees are available to Santa Cruz County residents who receive public assistance, including CalFresh or Medi-Cal. Those who provide proof of assistance can qualify for fees of $75 for cats and $150 for dogs.
Dr. Maris Brenn-White, the shelter’s veterinarian, said spaying and neutering remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of animals that end up homeless or in shelters.
“There’s no better way for a community to reduce the number of pets who end up stray, alone, or stuck in a shelter than by spaying and neutering as many as possible,” Brenn-White said. “But there’s a nationwide shortage of veterinary professionals right now, and these surgeries are out of financial reach for many people through full-service clinics.”
To be eligible, pets must be healthy, between 8 weeks and 8 years old, and weigh between 2 and 80 pounds. Dogs and cats with very short noses, such as pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats, as well as senior animals and pets with known health problems, are not eligible for the clinic.
Pets will be dropped off in the morning and picked up later the same day. Payment is due at the time of registration. For those who wish to pay in cash or who do not have internet access or a smartphone, shelter staff can assist with registration during regular business hours.
Dog owners are also required by local ordinance to license their pets. An annual dog license costs $29 for spayed or neutered dogs and can be obtained in person at the Live Oak or Watsonville shelter locations or online. Shelter staff will assist clinic participants with licensing as part of the process. Cat licensing is voluntary.
Licensed pets receive a “smart” license tag with a QR code designed to help reunite lost animals with their owners more quickly, often without the pet needing to be brought to the shelter.
Shelter officials said the clinic is made possible through community support. Donations to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation’s Planned Pethood fund help subsidize the cost of the clinics and allow the Animal Balance team to visit Santa Cruz County multiple times in 2026. Volunteers also play a key role in clinic operations.
Those interested in providing financial or in-kind support, or in volunteering during the clinic, are encouraged to contact the shelter or visit the shelter foundation’s website. The main animal shelter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz. The Watsonville shelter, located at 580 Airport Blvd., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a closure during the lunch hour.