134 Animals Spayed and Neutered on World Spay Day in Santa Barbara County

Local animal welfare organizations collaborated to provide affordable veterinary care and reduce pet overpopulation.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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On World Spay Day, Santa Barbara Humane, Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, and ASAP Cats came together to provide a total of 134 spay and neuter surgeries across their clinics and mobile units in Santa Barbara County. The event offered $5 procedures to increase access to affordable veterinary care and reduce pet overpopulation in the region.

Why it matters

Spay and neuter surgery remains one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted litters and support long-term animal health in the community. This collaborative effort demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when local animal welfare organizations work together to address pet overpopulation issues.

The details

Santa Barbara Humane completed 93 surgeries, ASAP Cats performed 24 surgeries, and Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society conducted 17 surgeries during the coordinated World Spay Day event. By working across multiple locations, the organizations were able to serve pet owners from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria and the Santa Ynez Valley in a single day.

  • The event took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 for World Spay Day.

The players

Santa Barbara Humane

The oldest animal welfare agency in Santa Barbara County, serving the community for over 135 years. The organization provides low-cost veterinary care, affordable dog training, adoption, and socially-conscious sheltering for local animals.

Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society

A local animal welfare organization that provided 17 spay and neuter surgeries at its Buellton clinic during the World Spay Day event.

ASAP Cats

An animal welfare organization that performed 23 cat surgeries and one dog surgery during the coordinated World Spay Day effort.

Dr. Katie Marrie

The Chief Veterinary Officer at Santa Barbara Humane.

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What they’re saying

“It was a wonderful day and a powerful example of what collaboration can accomplish. Spay and neuter surgery remains one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted litters and support long-term animal health in our community.”

— Dr. Katie Marrie, Chief Veterinary Officer, Santa Barbara Humane (edhat.com)

What’s next

Santa Barbara Humane, Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, and ASAP Cats will continue to provide affordable spay and neuter services year-round to further support animal welfare in the region.

The takeaway

This collaborative World Spay Day event demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when local animal welfare organizations work together to address pet overpopulation issues and increase access to affordable veterinary care in the community.