Georgia Department of Agriculture Hosts First-Ever Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Day, Bringing Vital Veterinary Care to Rural Community

Last month, at the direction of Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) hosted its first-ever Spay and Neuter Day on Sunday, October 12th, 2025. The event was funded through GDA’s Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP) and took place at The Rescue Ranch’s Zerner Stone Spay and Neuter Clinic in McRae-Helena, offering affordable spay and neuter services to local pet owners. A total of 86 animals—48 dogs and 38 cats—were successfully altered during the event.

“The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s first-ever low-cost spay/neuter day was a great success, and I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of our GDA CAE team as well as The Rescue Ranch’s veterinary team and support staff, who went above and beyond to provide compassionate, high-quality care,” said Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Bringing these essential services to rural communities like McRae-Helena—where access to affordable veterinary care is often limited—allows us to help address animal  overpopulation while supporting rural veterinarians and pet-owners.”

The GDA remains committed to partnering with local organizations to develop collaborative, cost-effective solutions that expand access to spay and neuter services statewide. Those wishing to support this effort can make a donation to the DCSP by visiting https://www.agr.georgia.gov/dog-and-cat-sterilization-program-dcsp.