Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in East Baton Rouge Parish. It is caused by uncontrolled, unplanned breeding of fertile cats and dogs, and results in over 9,000 pets being euthanized each year by East Baton Rouge Animal Control.

Due to the these alarming statistics, and after researching programs that effectively and humanely reduced the euthanasia rate of cats and dogs in other states, Spay Baton Rouge – a non-profit, volunteer organization – was formed in 2005. The organization set out to break the cycle of animals being born each year only to meet the fate of being destroyed.

Spay Baton Rouge's mission is to decrease the euthanasia rate of companion animals by providing affordable spay and neuter services to pets of low-income people in the greater Baton Rouge area. 

Dedicated to being part of the solution, Spay Baton Rouge hosts weekly Spay Days at Azalea Lakes Veterinary Clinic (during the clinic's regular work week) as well as once a month (when the clinic is closed), and also participates in a monthly Spay Day at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. A "Spay Day" is a day of subsidized spaying and neutering for pets of qualified pet owners. The non-profit also provides financial assistance for surgeries that take place during the month at other private clinics, including Associated Veterinary Service (AVS), in association with AVS' non-profit arm, Baton Rouge Spay Neuter.

Spay Baton Rouge is making a difference. Since hosting its first Spay Day in 2006, the organization has financially assisted in spaying and neutering more than 9,600 cats and dogs that otherwise would not have been fixed.

Why low-cost? Hilton Cole, Director of East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control Center, reports that the majority of stray animals are from low-income areas. Studies have shown that alleviating the cost barrier to animal sterilization increases owners' willingness to sterilize their pets. Our ultimate goal is to provide access to affordable surgeries to a population of cats and dogs that would not otherwise have this important surgery provided for them.