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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 17, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-c <br /> SUBJECT: Proclamation Declaring February 24, 2026, as Spay Neuter Day in Orange <br /> County <br /> DEPARTMENT: Animal Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Spay Neuter Day Proclamation Elizabeth Overcash, Animal Services <br /> Director, 919-942-7387 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation officially proclaiming February 24, 2026, as " Spay Neuter <br /> Day" in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: Animal Services staff and the Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) are <br /> recommending that the BOCC adopt a proclamation designating February 24, 2026, as "Spay <br /> Neuter Day" in Orange County. Humane World, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, <br /> has nationally designated the last Tuesday of each February as " World Spay Day." <br /> An increasing number of pet owners cannot access veterinary care due to financial constraints, <br /> geographic or transportation barriers, veterinary shortages, systemic inequities, and other <br /> barriers. Millions of pet owners in the United States and thousands of pet owners in Orange <br /> County face challenges in accessing veterinary care, including spay and neuter services. <br /> Orange County Animal Services recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond and the <br /> necessity of access to veterinary care, including spay and neuter services. As such, Animal <br /> Services is committed to increasing community access to free spay and neuter services. Through <br /> program expansions, the County has broadened eligibility for accessible spay and neuter services <br /> to include pet owners in a wider range of household incomes. Animal Services also provides <br /> accessible spay and neuter and vaccination services for community cats, helping to manage the <br /> health and population of community cats. These initiatives ensure more pets receive essential <br /> services like spay and neuter. Pet sterilization not only helps reduce overpopulation but also <br /> promotes the health and well-being of pets, allowing them to remain with their owners and <br /> strengthening the human-animal bond. <br /> Significant developments for calendar year 2025 included: <br /> • Orange County Animal Services sterilized a total of 2,025 dogs and cats, including 410 <br /> community cats. Animal Services continues efforts to manage the health and safety of the <br /> community cat population by providing free spay and neuter, vaccination, and <br /> microchipping for such cats. Funding for this effort comes from both grants and donations <br /> received through Orange County's Community Giving Fund. <br />