Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper Announces Georgia Department of Agriculture's First Ever Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Day

Mon, Sep 29 2025

MCRAE-HELENA, GA - Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) will host its first-ever Spay and Neuter Day on Sunday, October 12, 2025, through the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP). The event will take place at The Rescue Ranch's Zerner Stone Spay and Neuter Clinic in McRae-Helena and will provide affordable spay and neuter as well as other services. This partnership brings much-needed veterinary care to a rural South Georgia community that lacks spay and neuter services and did not receive a 2024 DCSP Grant-highlighting the need for targeted support.

"We're excited and proud to partner with Rescue Ranch to host the Georgia Department of Agriculture's first ever Spay-Neuter Day to provide accessible, low-cost spay and neuter services in Rural Georgia," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. "Overpopulation is a serious issue that is straining the resources of local animal shelters, rescues, and clinics across Georgia, and we are committed to working with our local partners to find collaborative, cost-effective solutions."

Low-Cost Services and Free Preventive Care
Pet owners will pay a reduced fee of just $10 to $35 for spay or neuter services, based on the pet's age and procedure type. In addition, thanks to generous support from Petco Love, all participating animals will receive free core vaccinations. 911 Pet Chip and Free Pet Chip Registry are also donating free microchips for every pet registered for the event.

Appointment InformationAppointments are required and must be scheduled in advance by emailing [email protected]. Walk-ins will not be accepted.Please note: This event is limited to owned pets only; Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) animals are not eligible for services.

• Category

• Commissioner
• DCSP

Media contacts

• Matthew Agvent,Communications Director
• Liz Rivera-Brown,Deputy Communications Director

About the GDA
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state's agriculture community. The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.

Find us on Facebook • Follow on Twitter: @GDAFoodSafety •@GeorgiaGrown

For more information, visit https://www.agr.georgia.gov.

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334