This summer, the Seattle Animal Foundation took a bold step toward reducing pet overpopulation – and changing countless lives before they even begin.
We’re proud to announce our first external grant, a $20,000 award to Doney Coe Pet Clinic, to launch a pilot spay/neuter clinic serving pet owners in Seattle who would otherwise go without access to this vital care.
The program, scheduled over four weeks this summer and expanding to eight weeks this fall, will offer free spay and neuter surgeries during dedicated event days. Clients will be selected from existing waitlists compiled by a coalition of trusted animal welfare partners.
“It’s gratifying to see a team come together around the most urgent issue confronting animal welfare providers today, overpopulation. Collaboration is how we create sustainable solutions that reach the animals and people who need them most.” said Doney Co President Marti Casey
The Power of Prevention
Why is this so important?
Because every spay or neuter surgery can prevent hundreds – sometimes thousands – of births over time.
- One unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce up to 25,000 dogs in six years.
- One unspayed female cat, birthing multiple litters annually, and her offspring can produce up to 200,000 cats in just seven years.
These numbers may seem staggering, but seen in the light of exponential reproduction, they’re real – and represent the incredible impact prevention can have on animal shelters and communities.
A Coalition for Change
The pilot clinic is the result of collaboration among some of the 25 animal welfare organizations that gathered at the Seattle Animal Foundation’s April 2025 symposium. Doney Coe emerged as a leader in this space, bringing together groups to share resources, vet waitlists, and provide coordinated outreach.
There are a total of five groups supported in the SNAPS’ (Spay Neuter Access Program Seattle) program:
- Doney Coe Pet Clinic
- One Health Clinic
- Rainier Animal Fund
- Seattle Veterinary Outreach
- Washington Health Outreach
This program isn’t just about surgeries – it’s about access and compassion.
With this first grant, SAF is planting the seeds for a future where free or low-cost spay/neuter care is a permanent fixture of the greater Seattle area.
Want to support this work?
Your donation helps us fund life-saving programs like this one. Together, we can change the future for animals in our city.
