HQHVSN Wet Labs

Maine Wet Lab, November 2023
Maine Wet Lab, November 2023 (prep)

Hands-On Training for Veterinarians to Build Confidence and Capacity in Spay/Neuter

When communities need more spay/neuter services, we must ensure veterinarians feel confident, prepared, and supported to meet the demand. In veterinary medicine, wet labs refer to training sessions that are hands-on—giving veterinarians the opportunity to practice surgical techniques in a supervised, real-time setting.

United Spay Alliance launched our pilot wet lab program in 2022 to expand access to high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) training. These local, skills-based trainings are led by experienced HQHVSN surgeons and designed to minimize travel costs and avoid cross-state licensing barriers.

Wet labs aren’t just for high-volume clinics. Veterinarians take what they learn back into their everyday practice—boosting surgical efficiency and confidence. Many also go on to support community-based efforts and expand access to care in their region.

HQHVSN isn’t just for shelters. These safe, efficient surgical techniques are a best practice wherever you practice. Read our blog to learn why »

With a successful pilot phase behind us, United Spay Alliance is now expanding the program nationwide—partnering with grassroots groups, clinics, and advocates to meet the unique needs of each community.

Read about our inaugural training in Maine »

Building skills. Saving lives

Live Success Counter:

as of July 1, 2026

28

Wet Labs Facilitated

10

States

121

Veterinarians Trained

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Registration for our wet labs opens in phases: first to the host and program partners, then to our interest list, and finally to the general public as spots remain. Join our interest list to move up in line and get notified as soon as a training near you opens for registration.

Boost Efficiency in Feline Spays | Methuen, MA | August 2, 2026
Status: Registration Full

Boost Efficiency in Feline Spays | Augusta, ME | October 22, 2026
Status: Host & Partner Registration

Boost Efficiency in Canine Sterilization | Lafayette, IN | October 25, 2026
Status: Host & Partner Registration

If a class is full, or you’d like to be considered for host & partner-tier registration, please email our wet lab coordinator, Brianna, directly at brianna@unitedspayalliance.org.

Are you hosting a training? Let us know! Email us at info@unitedspayalliance.org and we’ll add your event to our calendar.

Watch Our Wet Lab in Action

Spay/neuter services are critical to addressing pet overpopulation and ensuring community health. United Spay Alliance partners with grassroots organizations to provide hands-on training in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter techniques. These wet labs help veterinarians and veterinary students improve surgical efficiency, making these lifesaving procedures more accessible to underserved communities.

Watch the video below to see how our wet labs prepare veterinary professionals to tackle the growing need for affordable spay/neuter services.

Want to Host a Wet Lab? Start Here!

Step 1: Watch the Intro Webinar (below)
Get an overview of how our hands-on spay/neuter training program works and what’s involved in hosting a session in your community.

Step 2: Review the Wet Lab Toolkit
Visit unitedspayalliance.org/wet-lab-toolkit for everything you need to plan your training.

The toolkit includes:

  • Quick Start Guide
  • Planning Toolkit for Hosts
  • Planning Checklist
  • Trainer Toolkit
  • Sample Budgets, Agendas & Evaluation Forms

Step 3: Let’s Connect!
Have questions or ready to get started? Use this calendar to schedule a call or email Brianna at brianna@unitedspayalliance.org to make it official.

Bring HQHVSN To Life

Take a behind-the-scenes look at our growing spay/neuter training program, designed to expand surgical skills and build local capacity through hands-on exposure to high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) techniques.

Whether you’re a veterinarian, technician, TNR leader, or nonprofit staffer, you’ll leave equipped and inspired to help train the next generation of spay/neuter surgeons.

Maine Wet Lab, April 2023
Maine Wet Lab, April 2023 (technique)
Maine Wet Lab, April 2023 (knots)
Maine Wet Lab, April 2023 (hands-on)
Maine Wet Lab, November 2023 (group photo)

A special thanks to the following sponsors for their support in making these wet labs possible: 

Butts Mutts (GA)

DeKalb County (GA) Board of Commissioners, State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) initiative, with special thanks to Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, District 2

Elmina B Sewall Foundation

The John J. and Frank Sparacio Foundation

The John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, a supporting organization of the Northwest CT Community Foundation