By Debbie Duel

For Joanne Montchal, executive director of Spay N Save in Longwood, Florida, “the job is the reward.” Since opening in 2012, the low-cost clinic has performed nearly 120,000 spay and neuter surgeries—and that impressive figure increases daily. The results speak for themselves, notes Joanne: “Shelter intake of healthy animals in Seminole County, where the clinic is located, has dropped by 30% in recent years.”

Spay N Save began with a single veterinarian; it now operates with three full-time doctors, performing 50–55 surgeries a day, five days a week. The nonprofit keeps prices among the lowest in Central Florida—just $77 to fix a domestic cat, which also includes rabies, FVRCP vaccines, and a nail trim.  Dog surgeries range from $95 to $305, depending on the dog’s size and the guardian’s income. Many clients qualify for grants or subsidies from Petco Love that further reduce costs.

As remarkable as Spay N Save’s successes are, there is still plenty of work to be done. Florida’s feral cat problem is never-ending. The warm climate means feral cats reproduce year-round; however, Spay N Save’s proactive approach is helping to make a dent. The clinic offers TNR caregivers a further reduced sterilization package — feral cats are regularly fixed for just $45, which includes vaccinations, an ivermectin injection, and the telltale ear tip for easy identification.

Julie Walters, Spay N Save’s practice manager, says flexibility and accessibility are key. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, community cat caregivers can bring in one trapped feral cat for a special $15 spay/neuter package—no appointment needed. The only requirement is that the cat must be secured in a trap. 

“Trapping isn’t predictable,” Julie explains. “Our walk-in policy lets TNR caregivers act quickly when a cat is caught—it keeps the momentum going.” The reduced price is made possible through a Franklin’s Friends grant and will remain available until the funds are exhausted.

To increase surgeries even further, once a month, Slomba Shelter Solutions joins forces with Spay N Save for a high-volume Surgery Saturday. (See sidebar.)

Spay N Save serves a wide area of Central Florida, including Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola, Brevard, and Volusia Counties. “If folks are willing to drive, we are willing to fix the animal,” said Julie. Through creativity and collaboration, Spay N Save and its partners demonstrate how teamwork can drive lasting change. Executive directors from Spay N Save, Central Florida Community Pet Clinic in DeBary, and Snip-It in Kissimmee—each serving the greater Orlando area—meet regularly to share insights, coordinate efforts, and strengthen the region’s response to pet overpopulation.

As a nonprofit with a small but dedicated staff, volunteers are essential to Spay N Save’s daily operations. A handful of volunteers clean instruments, assemble surgical packs, do laundry, prepare cage cards, and make reminder calls. Recruiting and retaining a core group of volunteers remains an ongoing challenge—one shared by many nonprofits. Another growing challenge is maintaining low prices.

The cost of everything is rising, and avoiding price increases for p

et caregivers requires creativity and diligence. By hosting small fundraising events, seeking support from generous partners like Franklin’s Friends, and applying for grants such as Florida’s Animal Friend License Plate Fund, Spay N Save is keeping its prices steady and helping those who need it most.

Julie recalls one of many times Spay N Save made a life-changing difference:

“A woman came to the clinic in tears—her cat had a life-threatening pyometra, and she couldn’t afford surgery. After confirming the diagnosis, she asked for a moment to say goodbye, believing she’d have to surrender her beloved pet. Instead, we told her about our Spay It Forward fund, which helps cover costs for pets in need. Thanks to that program, her cat received surgery and went home healthy—right where she belongs.”

Joanne and Julie acknowledge there is still much more to do. Their long-term goals include adding staff and securing a larger facility—critical steps toward expanding surgical capacity, reducing overpopulation, and building a more humane future for Central Florida’s cats and dogs.

For more information, contact:

Spay N Save
988 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd.
Longwood, FL 32750
407-920-4894

About Debbie Duel

Debbie Duel served as the creator and director of humane education programs in Washington, DC, for more than 35 years, inspiring children and teens to create a kinder, more compassionate, and just community for all living creatures. She led thousands of classroom programs and in-service teacher workshops, helping educators integrate humane education across the curriculum.

Debbie is the author of Nigel (2008, Operation Outreach USA) and William’s Story (1992, Storyteller’s Ink) and was featured as the humane education expert in National Geographic’s 125 Pet Rescues (2017). Her writing has appeared in the Latham Letter, the APHE newsletter, the Hill Rag newsletter, and on her blog for children, which she maintained from 2008 to 2020. 

A dedicated volunteer with United Spay Alliance, Debbie is passionate about the vital role spay/neuter plays in building humane, sustainable communities. She holds a M.S. in Education from Johns Hopkins University and B.S. from Florida State University.