10,000 SNIP surgeries

The Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health has reached a major milestone — completing its 10,000th spay and neuter surgery through its partnership with the Spay and Neuter Island Pets (SNIP) Clinic. 

The latest patient marking the achievement is a former stray named Sono — once an underweight puppy found struggling to survive at the Sono Felice Golf Course in Talo’fo’fo. Staff there took her in, helping her recover and eventually arranging for her to receive a microchip, vaccinations, and surgery through the SNIP program.

Officials say the milestone reflects years of collaboration aimed at addressing Guam’s pet overpopulation problem. Acting Governor Josh Tenorio called the 10,000th surgery a major achievement in the island’s commitment to animal health and public welfare, saying strategic partnerships like snip produce sustainable, long-term solutions.