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Past, Present and Future
Spay Today opened in May, 2006 in response to the large numbers of animals entering, and dying in, the Pitt County Animal Shelter. It was originally developed by a coalition between the SPCA of Pitt County and Saving Graces 4 Felines, with assistance from Friends of the Pitt County Animal Shelter and other area animal advocates.
In January, 2008 we received a $24,000 grant from PetSmartCharities to purchase equipment. Then, in the spring of that year, we received another PetSmart grant to subsidize staff training at the Humane Alliance clinic in Asheville. We currently have a private foundation grant to sterilize dogs from low income families. Other contributions have come from Happy Jack Pet Products, Hoffman Haus Kennels, the Humane Society of the United States, and from the generosity of many individual donors.
Starting with one veterinarian, one part-time assistant and several volunteers, Spay Today now employs a director, a veterinarian, and a staff of five. Behind the scenes and leading the way is a very dynamic and committed Board of Directors.
Many rescue groups use Spay Today as they work to reduce pet overpopulation in their communities. Included in these groups are Friends of the Pitt County Animal Shelter, the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina, Saving Graces 4 Felines, the Marley Fund, Pamlico Animal Welfare (PAWS), Greene County Animal Partners, Tarboro TNR, Beaufort County Animal Control, Chowan/Gates SPCA, Cats About Town, Carteret County Humane Society, Humane Society of Beaufort County, Onslow County Animal Control, Protecting Animals Worth Saving (P.A.W.S), and Roanoke Chowan Humane Society.
Future plans include a transport program to rural areas in our region, and a building expansion to accommodate more surgeries.
Currently we are open four days a week and sterilize around 30 animals each day. As of February, 2011 we have sterilized over 12,000 animals.