Chile's Chiguayante and Valparaíso municipalities expand free pet sterilization programs

The municipalities of Chiguayante and Valparaíso are running mobile veterinary clinic campaigns that offer free sterilization surgeries for dogs and cats. In Chiguayante, the municipal clinic will operate weekly from a mobile unit stationed in Villa la Leonera, providing up to 40 slots per week to residents who meet vulnerability criteria and submit digital applications.

Valparaíso’s program, launched by Mayor Camila Nieto, funds two cycles targeting around 500 procedures each, with the first cycle delivering 240 interventions in June‑July and a second cycle planned for a total of 480 sterilizations. The initiative is financed entirely by municipal resources and aims to reach over 6,000 animals annually, focusing on responsible pet ownership and population control.

Both programs require animals to be healthy, aged between five months and five years (Valparaíso: four months to seven years), and to fast prior to surgery. Owners must bring transport carriers for cats and leashes for dogs, and adhere to post‑operative care guidelines.