La Free pet sterilization It has become one of the most important tools for controlling dog and cat populations and improving their welfare, especially in large cities where abandonment and unwanted litters remain a daily problem. In this context, public administrations and specialized entities are promoting mass surgery days at no cost aimed at families with fewer resources.
In Bogotá, the District Institute for Animal Protection and Welfare (IDPYBA) has launched a package of measures that includes enabling 3.000 free places to sterilize dogs and cats during the month of February, as part of the district's animal protection program. The goal is to ensure that no household with financial difficulties is left without access to a spay or neuter. safe veterinary procedure which, otherwise, might prove unacceptable.
Quotas, schedule and fixed locations for free sterilization
The IDPYBA has confirmed that they will be available during February. 3.000 free sterilization appointments for pets in the capital. These slots will be distributed in two fixed surgical sutures which will function in a complementary manner to meet citizen demand.
On one side, there is the point installed in the National University of Colombia, specifically in the Faculty of veterinary medicine and zootechnicsIn building 502, practice room. Scheduled surgeries will be performed there for the available shifts. Every monday, which allows for staggered attention.
The second fixed point is the Animal Care Unit (UCA)located in the Engativá district. In this case, openings are available. the WednesdaysAppointments are also available by prior arrangement. This center is designed to offer comprehensive care to animals, with fully equipped operating rooms and specialized veterinary staff.
The aim of this scheme is that the surgical interventions can be started in an orderly fashion from the first week of FebruaryThis avoids overcrowding and excessive waiting times. According to the organization, the weekly schedule makes it easier for more people to find a time that suits their needs.
Interested parties should go to the IDPYBA Animal Care Unit located in the El Muelle neighborhood, at Carrera 106A # 67-02.
Published by: Ginna R. Sánchez
Who can access free pet sterilization
The program is not open indiscriminately to the entire population, but is focused on households with fewer resources and vulnerable groupsAccording to official information, sterilization services are primarily intended for families from socioeconomic strata 1, 2 and 3 who reside in Bogotá.
In addition to stratum criteria, priority is given to animals that are under the care of people in vulnerable situationsThis group includes professional recyclers, senior citizens, homeless people and migrant population with economic difficulties. The intention is that those who encounter the greatest barriers to accessing veterinary care can benefit from a completely free service.
This social approach seeks to break down the main obstacle identified by the authorities: the economic cost of surgeryFor many families, paying for sterilization at a private clinic is simply impossible, which ends up resulting in successive litters and, in many cases, in abandonment or handing over the animals to third parties without guarantees.
The responsible entities insist that Sterilization is not limited to controlling reproductionIt also reduces the risk of certain reproductive diseases, helps prevent behavioral conflicts, and decreases the number of stray animals on the streets, thus influencing both animal welfare and the public health.
Virtual scheduling: deadlines and steps to follow
To ensure an orderly process, the District has established that All scheduling is done virtuallyAppointments are not assigned in person or by phone; the use of the digital platform is the only way to access the available slots for the day.
Interested individuals should log in to official IDPYBA website, at the address https://turnos.animalesbog.gov.co/solicitar-turnosThat link contains the online form where it is mandatory to register the data of the owner (name, identity document, address, stratum, contact data) and of the animal (species, sex, approximate age and other basic characteristics).
The system automatically assigns the appointment based on the availability of slots at both surgical sites. Once the procedure is complete, the person receives a official confirmation with the date, time and exact location of the surgery, which is sent by text message (SMS) and/or emailThis confirmation must be kept, either printed or on your mobile phone, because it is requested on the day of the procedure.
The IDPYBA has defined a strict deadline to make these requests online, which extends up to the Wednesday 28 of January for surgeries scheduled for February. After that date, the platform will no longer accept new requests related to this specific batch of slots, so those who are unable to register will have to wait for later campaigns.
This system aims to avoid endless queues and scenes of people waiting since dawn at service points. The idea is that each guardian arrives only on the assigned day and time, with their previously confirmed appointmentto expedite service and reduce stress for both people and animals.
Health requirements and conditions for surgery
Beyond simply meeting the appointment schedule, it is essential that the animals meet a series of requirements. health conditions and age so they can be safely sterilized. Veterinary authorities have insisted that this is not a mere formality, but a surgical procedure under general anesthesia which requires certain guarantees.
Firstly, dogs and cats must be between the ages of four months and eight yearsBelow that range, the organism may not be sufficiently developed; above it, the anesthetic and surgical risks increase, especially if there are undiagnosed pre-existing conditions.
It is also required that the animal be in good general health on the day of the procedure. If the pre-surgical evaluation reveals obvious signs of serious illness, decompensation, or problems that increase the risk, the veterinary team may decide to postpone or not perform the surgery.
In the specific case of females, there are additional restrictions: they cannot be in heatNeither pregnant nor actively breastfeeding mothers are candidates for surgery. These situations complicate the procedure, increase bleeding, and can affect both the mother and the offspring, and are therefore considered contraindications. temporary contraindications for this type of preventive procedure.
Another key requirement is the eight-hour complete fastThis includes both solid and liquid food. This protocol is standard in general anesthesia, as it reduces the risk of vomiting and potential aspiration, which could lead to serious respiratory complications while the animal is asleep.
Documentation and items required for the day of the appointment
On the day of the procedure, simply arriving at the service point with the animal is not enough. The IDPYBA has established a list of documents and physical items which must be submitted in order to access the surgery.
In the documentary section, a legible photocopy of the national identity card of the person responsible for the animal, along with a recent utility bill (water, electricity or gas). These documents allow verification of the address, socioeconomic status and that it is indeed a family residing in Bogotá.
Along with that documentation, it is mandatory to submit the appointment confirmation Generated by the scheduling system. It can be displayed printed or directly on the mobile phone screen, provided the data is visible. If any of these requirements are missing, staff may deny performing the surgery even though the animal has been brought to the place.
Regarding the equipment for transporting and handling the animal, the instructions are very precise. cats they must go in a safe and ventilated crate or carrier, while the Dogs They have to wear collar and leash appropriate to their size. In the case of dogs classified as requiring special handling, it is essential to present them with muzzle to avoid incidents during the wait and the transfer.
Additionally, it is recommended to bring a blanket or towel to keep the animal warm after the procedure, as anesthesia can affect body temperature regulation. It is also considered essential to have a elizabethan necklace of the appropriate size, which will be used in the postoperative period to prevent the dog or cat from licking or biting the wound, which could cause infections or the stitches to open.
Recommendations for pre- and post-operative care of pets
The tutor's responsibility doesn't end with securing the appointment. To ensure the experience is as safe as possible, the authorities emphasize following a series of guidelines. recommendations before and after surgeryAdhering to them reduces risks and improves the animal's recovery.
In the preliminary phase, in addition to eight-hour fastIt is advisable to avoid strenuous walks or rough play on the day of the procedure. It is preferable that the dog or cat arrives at the clinic as calm as possible to minimize stress and facilitate the work of the veterinary team during the evaluation and anesthetic preparation.
After the operation, the animal usually remains under observation for a while until is recovering from the anesthesiaOnce home, it's normal for the child to experience some drowsiness, temporary loss of appetite, or slight disorientation. Caregivers should provide a quiet environment, free from loud noises and overstimulation, and carefully follow the instructions regarding medication and wound care.
The use of elizabethan necklace This is especially important during the first ten days. Although many animals try to remove it, it is the most effective way to prevent licking, biting, or scratching of the incision area, which could lead to infections or complicationsIt is also recommended to check that the stitches remain clean and dry, and to see a veterinarian if excessive swelling, persistent bleeding, or a bad odor is observed.
According to IDPYBA, the package offered at these workshops includes general anesthesia, surgery, monitoring, and basic analgesia so that the animal does not suffer unnecessary pain. However, the outcome at home depends largely on the family's vigilance. Hence the emphasis on reinforcing the message that sterilization is a act of responsibility that requires commitment before, during and after the procedure.
Free sterilization as a public policy for animal welfare
The campaigns of Free pet sterilization They are part of a broader vision of the city, where the responsible ownership And respect for animals is considered part of everyday life. In the case of Bogotá, the My City, My Home program and the actions of IDPYBA are aimed at reducing the number of homeless dogs and cats and preventing the overcrowding of shelters and rescue centers.
Authorities note that numerous animals are collected from the streets every year from unplanned litterssurrendered by families who cannot care for them or simply abandoned. This phenomenon not only generates animal suffering, but also constitutes a public health problem, with risks associated with bites, disease transmission and conflicts of coexistence in neighborhoods and public spaces.
Faced with this scenario, mass and free sterilization is presented as a ethical and preventive measureThis is far more effective than reactive responses based solely on collection and care in shelters. Furthermore, by focusing on low-income householdsIt promotes greater equity in access to basic veterinary services, which would otherwise be reserved for those who can afford private fees.
Citizen participation in these events is also interpreted as a sign of mentality changeThe high demand recorded in different campaigns indicates that more and more people assume that sterilizing their dogs and cats is part of the responsible ownership, at the same level as vaccination, deworming, or proper nutrition.
In this context, the 3.000 free surgeries planned represent more than just a number: they represent a further step in the consolidation of public policies for animal protection that combine veterinary care, civic education and support for families with fewer resources, with the aim of building a friendlier and safer city for both people and the animals that live with them.
