Training More Vets, Reaching More Cats: Spay/Neuter Program Returns to Methuen
Third Massachusetts Wet Lab Set for August 2
Methuen, MA (July 30, 2026) — The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell) and United Spay Alliance are teaming up once again to provide hands-on spay/neuter surgical training to licensed veterinarians in Massachusetts.
On Sunday, August 2, veterinarians from across the state will gather at the MSPCA-Angell’s clinic at Nevins Farm in Methuen for a full-day, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) wet lab – an intensive, hands-on training session designed to sharpen surgical skills and build confidence in feline spay/neuter procedures.
This will be the third such training event in Massachusetts, following two previous wet labs in 2024, held in Boston and Cape Cod.
“Most veterinarians don’t get the chance to practice spay/neuter surgery with an experienced mentor looking over their shoulder, in vet school or after,” said Brianna Lovell Myers, Executive Director at United Spay Alliance. “This training gives them that. Our goal isn’t to turn every vet into a high-volume surgeon; it’s to help these techniques become more common in everyday practice. Even if a veterinarian leaves able to add just one more surgery to their week, that’s one more appointment helping close the gap in spay/neuter access for their community.”
“We’re always looking to expand access to veterinary care for animals and the families who love them in our communities,” said Dr. Erin Doyle, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Community Initiatives at the MSPCA-Angell. “This training helps us do that by building a network of skilled professionals who can make a lasting difference in the lives of countless animals.”
Each participating veterinarian will complete at least six feline surgeries over the course of the day, working alongside experienced HQHVSN surgeons and getting a first-hand look at how high-quality spay/neuter clinics use efficiency to maximize both patient safety and outcomes.
Veterinarians will also have the opportunity to practice surgeries on pediatric patients. Contrary to some outdated assumptions, it is entirely safe to spay or neuter a kitten once it reaches two pounds, typically around eight weeks of age. Because cats can become pregnant at just four months old, United Spay Alliance promotes Feline Fix by Five – a national effort encouraging pet owners and veterinarians alike to have all cats spayed or neutered by five months of age. Learn more at felinefixbyfive.org.
Access to affordable, high-quality spay and neuter services remains a critical need throughout Massachusetts. It is one of the most effective tools available for protecting both individual animals and their communities: spayed and neutered pets benefit from reduced health risks and behavioral issues, and shelters see fewer unwanted litters, less strain on limited shelter resources, and a slower tide of homeless animals.
By equipping more Massachusetts veterinarians with the efficient surgical techniques used in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN), this training helps ensure that spay/neuter capacity keeps pace with the need – particularly in underserved communities where access to affordable veterinary care is limited.
This training is possible with generous support from the John T and Jane A Wiederhold Foundation, a supporting organization of the Northwest CT Community Foundation.
About the MSPCA-Angell
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell) is a national leader in animal welfare and veterinary medicine, with world-class hospitals, adoption centers, and community clinics, as well as community outreach, national animal transport, humane education, and disaster relief programs, plus law enforcement and advocacy divisions that better animal lives through law and legislation. Founded in 1868, the MSPCA-Angell is the second oldest humane society in the United States and positively impacts the lives of tens of thousands of animals each year. As a private, non-profit organization, the MSPCA-Angell does not receive any government funding, nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization, instead relying solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit mspca.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, and LinkedIn for more information.
About United Spay Alliance
United Spay Alliance envisions a future where every cat and dog has a loving home. We work to make this a reality by championing affordable, accessible, and timely spay/neuter services. Through proactive prevention, we aim to stop animal suffering before it begins. USA maintains a nationwide directory of low-cost spay/neuter services , fosters collaboration through the State Leader Network, and empowers veterinarians with programs like HQHVSN wet labs and Feline Fix by Five. In 2024, USA launched United We Spay, a monthly podcast sharing inspiring stories from the spay/neuter movement. Learn more at unitedspayalliance.org or follow @UnitedSpayAlliance on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact Information:
Julie Coen
MSPCA-Angell
617-401-8586
jcoen@mspca.org
Brianna Lovell Myers
United Spay Alliance
240-415-8852
brianna@unitedspayalliance.org
