Print edition: 
Animal clinics around the area will celebrate Spay Day 2010 by offering reduced prices for spaying and neutering services for the pets of people who normally couldn't afford them.
Not every participating clinic will offer the same services on the same days, said Ashley Slieff, who is monitoring the efforts of participating Wichita clinics.
But Slieff, client care director at Bel Aire's Heartland Animal Hospital, said all clinics are working toward the goal of reducing the number of unwanted cats and dogs.
"It's basically a day that's dedicated to offering a discounted price for spay and neutering services," she said.
The Humane Society of the United States holds Spay Day on the last Tuesday of every February as a way of encouraging pet owners to spay or neuter their cats and dogs.
More than 500 events are being held this year in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Because animal shelters nationwide take in more animals than they are able to find homes for, 4 million cats, dogs and other animals are euthanized every year.
The official 16th annual Spay Day is Feb. 23, but Slieff said participating area clinics will be operating on different schedules.
The Kansas Humane Society shelter at 3313 N. Hillside will offer low-cost services starting Feb. 24 to those who are unemployed, receive Medicaid benefits or meet any of the shelter's other criteria.
The shelter will charge $30 for cats, $40 for male dogs and $50 for female dogs.
The Cowley County Humane Society this year is using a grant from the Power of the Purse and the Legacy Foundation to offer 90 Cowley County residents $50 vouchers that will go toward the cost of spaying or neutering animals.
Spay-Neuter Kansas at 319 S. Hydraulic offers low-cost spay or neuter surgeries year round, for the pets of people who can show proof of income of $40,000 a year or less. Prices are $30 for cats, $40 for dogs and $50 for female dogs over 50 pounds.
The clinic is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays. Since its opening in July 2008, more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed.
Slieff said anyone who wants to take advantage of the opportunity should contact a participating clinic.
Local Spay Day participants include:
Bluestem Animal Clinic, 830 W. Sixth Ave., El Dorado, 316-321-0811.
Cat Hospital of Wichita, 6130 E. Central, Suite 100, Wichita, 316-686-2287.
Cimarron Animal Hospital, 6011 E. 21st St., Wichita, 316-686-4713.
El Dorado Animal Clinic, 111 E. Locust, El Dorado, 316- 321-1050.
El Paso Animal Clinic, 233 S. Georgie Ave., Derby, 316- 788-1561.
Heartland Animal Hospital, 4100 N. Woodlawn, Bel Aire, 316-744-2043.
Herndon Veterinary Clinic, 8820 W. Maple, 316-722-6240.
Hutton Veterinary Clinic, 3116 E. 31st St. South, Wichita, 316-681-0261.
Nielsen Animal Medical Group, 2922 E. U.S. Highway 54, Andover, 316-733-2449.
Oakcrest Pet Hospital, 11832 W. Central, Wichita, 316-722-4828.
Pet Haven Veterinary Clinic, 2518 W. 13th St., Wichita, 316-942-2531.
Spay-Neuter Kansas Inc., 319 S. Hydraulic, Wichita, 316-263-4200.
