Training Tomorrow's Veterinarians: Dakin's Surgical Workshop

This past fall, Dakin Humane Society further demonstrated its leadership in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter care by hosting a surgical training workshop (often referred to as a “wet lab”) for practicing veterinarians. Designed to strengthen surgical efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of care, the one-day training welcomed six veterinarians to Dakin’s Springfield location to learn techniques that can be applied in busy shelter and community medicine settings, as well as their own private clinics.

The workshop was led by Dakin veterinarians Dr. Sherri Therrien and Dr. Elizabeth Helton, alongside Dr. Rosario Delgado-Lecaroz of Second Chance Animal Services—all surgeons with deep experience in high-volume spay/neuter programs. Each lead surgeon worked closely with two attending veterinarians, first demonstrating a feline spay procedure and then guiding participants as they performed surgeries themselves. This hands-on, mentorship-focused approach reflects Dakin’s long-standing commitment not only to performing lifesaving surgeries, but also to sharing knowledge that expands access to spay/neuter care far beyond our own walls.

During the workshop, surgeons shared proven techniques, surgical efficiencies, and equipment strategies that allow for safe, consistent, and high-quality outcomes in fast-paced environments. Nearly 30 female cats, four months of age and older, were spayed during the workshop, directly supporting population control efforts while serving as a real-world learning opportunity for participating veterinarians.

Attendees praised both the structure and instruction of the training, noting that the one-on-two learning model was ideal and that the instructors were “extremely knowledgeable and very good at teaching.” One participant shared, “I liked the techniques learned on high-quality, high-volume cat spays and will be applying them at my work site,” underscoring the broader impact of the workshop on animal welfare organizations and clinics throughout the region.

The training was held in partnership with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), which echoed its enthusiasm in a social media post, stating, “We hope to continue this collaboration in the future.”

Dakin is widely recognized as a trusted leader and resource in innovative animal welfare practices—particularly in spay/neuter medicine, where efficiency and quality are essential to saving lives. Hosting workshops like this is an important part of our ongoing commitment to advancing the field, especially in response to the shortage of practicing veterinarians in the United States. It is more important than ever to help prepare the next generation of veterinary professionals by leveraging our expertise for the betterment and advancement of the animal welfare industry. We are honored to work alongside fellow veterinary professionals who are equally dedicated to making a lasting difference for pets and communities.