Organizing a Wet Lab

A surgical wet lab provides hands-on experience for licensed veterinarians seeking skills in pediatric spay/neuter. (Pediatric spay/neuter refers to surgical sterilization procedures performed on animals who are 6 to 16 weeks of age.)

Wet lab participants have an opportunity to learn about the safety and efficacy of early age spay/neuter. They also learn and practice anesthetic and surgical techniques for spaying and neutering puppies and kittens.

In addition, participants can learn about special considerations for pediatric spay/neuter, such as the prevention of hypothermia and hypoglycemia.

Learning by Doing

A wet lab is a complex undertaking with many legal, medical, and logistical requirements. Wet labs typically occur under the auspices of a veterinary medical college. Working with The Association of Shelter Veterinarians Veterinary Task Force to Advance Spay/Neuter and PetSmart Charities, we provide step-by-step instructions to help you successfully plan and run a wet lab for up to 12 veterinarians. In addition, you can download forms, such as consent forms and discharge instructions, to customize for your own use.

This profile and the supporting materials were developed with the expertise of the following veterinarians:

• Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
• Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
• Leslie Appel, DVM, Executive Director, Shelter Outreach Services
• Kathleen Makolinski, DVM, ASPCA Director of Veterinary Outreach

Start Here

Download our step-by-step guide for organizing a wet lab (.pdf) to evaluate whether you have the resources to host a wet lab.

Use the guide and sample materials to plan your own event.

Photo courtesy Brenda Griffin, DVM