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Spay/Neuter Information WHY SPAY AND NEUTER? Around 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States simply because they do not have homes. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying and neutering your pet. Spaying and neutering is a safe procedure and dramatically reduces the number of stray animals on the streets and in shelters. Suggested is that pets should be spayed or neutered at young ages, before 6 months and/or before the female’s first heat. The cost of altering your pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year. Spaying and neutering is good for your pet and can decrease the risk of diseases that are expensive to treat. Pets that are spayed or neutered have up to an 85% lower risk of certain types of cancers and other serious health complications which means they are likely to live a much healthier, happier and longer life. Spaying and neutering helps eliminating annoying behavioral problems. Unaltered animals are significantly more likely to mark or spray urine to mark their territory which can make the household unbearable. Female animals in heat can cry incessantly, act nervous and attract males from all around. Having your pet spayed eliminates the heat cycle. Spaying and neutering is good for our community. A compassionate society knows there is a better way to solve overpopulation than needlessly euthanizing unwanted animals. Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted companion animals. Spaying and neutering helps reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals in our community. Spaying and neutering reduces the animal’s desire to roam, resulting in fewer traffic accidents and neighborhood complaints of nuisance animals. Animals that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to bite or get into fights. MYTH AND FACTS REGARDING SPAY/NEUTER Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy Fact: Spaying or neutering does not make pets fat or lazy. They get fat and lazy because they are fed too much and do not get enough exercise. Myth: It is better to have on litter first before spaying the female Fact: Females spayed before their first heat cycle are typically healthier. Every time a female pet goes through a heat cycle she is at an increased risk for breast cancer and uterine infections.
Myth: When my pet has a litter I will find good homes for all of them Fact: You may find homes for all your pet’s puppies or kittens but there are already puppies and kittens being euthanized in shelters every week. Further, you have no way to guarantee that those puppies will not have babies of their own when they are older, adding to the over-population. Also we believe that at least 50% of your puppies or kittens will end up in horrific living situations or will enter a county shelter just to be euthanized because of space issues. You really want to set up your sweet and cute little puppies or kittens to end up dying? Allowing your pet to breed only contributes to the problem. Be part of the solution. Spay and neuter your pets.
Myth: My male pet will feel less of a male Fact: Pets do not have any concept of masculinity. Neutering your male pet will not cause him to suffer any kind of emotional identity crisis, nor will it change his basic personality. In fact, your pet will be healthier and a better companion.
Myth: My pet is purebred, they don’t end up in animal shelters Fact: One in four animals that enters shelters are purebred. Regardless of whether or not they are purebred, 50% of animals that enter into shelters are euthanized due to overpopulation. Myth: My pet is just so special and I want the puppies to be just like them Fact: Genetics are not an exact science and even professional breeders cannot guarantee how a litter will develop. The overpopulation problem will continue to grow on the slim chance you might get another animal that is just like the parent. There are shelter pets waiting for homes who are just as cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own.
Myth: It’s good for my children to witness the miracle of birth Fact: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth, the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life, and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others. Children are our future, and it is important that we teach them right from wrong. Myth: My dog will no longer be a protective watch dog Fact: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect its home and family. A dog’s temperament is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones
Myth: It is unhealthy or unethical to spay or neuter when my pet is young Fact: Spaying and neutering is safe for young animals. There is no veterinary research that suggests spaying and neutering pets before six months of age interferes with healthy development. In fact, evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat cycle are typically healthier.
Myth: It is too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered Fact: Many low-cost options exist for spay/neuter services. Most regions in the U.S. have at least one spay/neuter clinic within driving distance that charge $100 or less for the procedure, and many veterinary clinics provide discounts through subsidized voucher programs. Contact your local rescue groups for help or information on low cost spay and neuter programs. No reputable rescue will turn you away and will help you with getting your pet spayed or neutered. |
