why spay or neuter

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Reduces overpopulation & Saves Lives

Unplanned puppy and kitten litters contribute to the national animal overpopulation
Approximately 6.5 million pets enter shelters & rescues each year
Approximately 1.5 million of those entering shelters are euthanized
Pets are remaining in shelters & rescues longer limiting space for new intakes
If an unspayed female dog has 2 litters in her lifetime, then those puppies have 2 litters each, this can generate over 60,000 in a 6 year period
With fewer puppies and kittens entering the population chances increase that those animals can find a loving home

Supports Shelters and Rescues

Spaying and neutering pets makes a positive impact on the number of animals entering into the animal community
Shelters can invest more time and resources towards the animals already in their care
Fewer animals in shelters and rescues gives potential adopters more time and opportunities to bond with potential adoptees
Fewer shelter inhabitants allows shelters and rescues more time & resources to devote to behavioral assessments, training, and medical treatments

Medical Benefits of Spay/Neuter

Reduces uterine infections and breast tumors in female animals
Reduces the chance that these tumors are cancerous by approximately 50% in dogs and 90% in cats
Neutering male pets can prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems
Decreases undesirable male behaviors such as roaming and aggressiveness

Behavior Control

Reduces aggressive tendencies: Spaying and neutering reduces aggression and pets tend to be more even-tempered
Reduces territorial marking: Unaltered pets are significantly more prone to mark their territory, which in the home includes furniture, walls, and can be frustrating for pet owners
Searching for a mate: unaltered pets can display their instinctual urges to find a mate. Female cats become increasingly vocal to attract a mate and male dogs become increasingly destructive in order to find a female in heat
Male Dominance: Neutered males become less likely to mount people or objects, less aggressive towards other animals and less likely to display assertive behavior over their territories due to reduced testosterone levels
Absence of Heat Cycles: Spayed females are less likley to show signs of restlessness, less vocalization, less agitation, and lower anxiety levels

Cost Effectiveness

Spaying and neutering reduces medical expenses compared to unsterilized pets
Reduces burden on shelters and rescues
Increases the long term savings by preventing unplanned litters
Reduces the financial burden on taxpayers by reducing the expenses required for yearly vaccinations and healthcare

Pet Ownership Choices

Spaying and neutering greatly reduces the pet population
Helps prevent serious illnesses in female animals such as uterine infections and breast tumors
Reduces the chance that these infections and tumors are cancerous by approximately 50% in dogs and 90% in cats
Can prevent testicular cancer in male pets and helps control male aggression

Preventative Measures

Prevents unnecessary medical procedures & the costs associated with them
Reduces the number of animals euthanized every year
Prevents unnecessary homelessness and suffering
Less likely to escape from home
Pets become more emotionally stable and affectionate, less anxious and territorial

Resources for Spaying/Neutering

Animal Shelters/Rescues: Frequently run programs to provide low cost solutions for spaying and neutering
Community Programs: Offers financial assistance or low-cost services for spaying/neutering
Empowers Pet Owners: Regardless of income level, income level services are normally available to pet owners empowering them to make informed decisions for their pets well-being

Behavioral Changes

Health Risks

Obesity: Altered pets can have increased appetites and a lower metabolism
Cancers: Increased risk of certain cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma while reducing chances of testicular cancer
Bone & Joint Issues: Removal of hormones can delay growth plate closure
Urinary Issues: Increases risk of urinary incontinence & potential of bladder stomes or cancers
Hormonal/Metabolic: Increased risk of hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus
Breed & Sex Differences: Larger breeds and specific sexes present with different risks
Timing: Age and weight considerations are important in deciding when to spay or neuter. Pets should be old enough that thei growth plates close
Age: The older the pet, the higher the risk of anesthesia complications

When to Spay or Neuter

Dogs - Female: Preferably before 7 months of age
Dog - Male: The younger the better while taking into consideration age/weight restrictions (consult your veterinarian for specific ages)
Cats - Female: A great rule of thumb is to schedule spaying at the same time they get their last round of vaccines at 4 months old
Cats - Male: Any time before 10 months of age, however the rule of thumb is the same for female cats schedule neutering at the same time they get their last round of vaccines at 4 months old