By making sure that your companion animal can't have puppies or kittens, you'll have peace of mind that his or her offspring won't be killed in an animal shelter.
Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are killed in shelters each year. You might think that these are animals born in the streets or there is something "wrong" with them, but often they are the offspring of cherished family companion animals, even purebreds. Maybe someone's dog or cat got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed.
The result is homeless animals that are being killed because there are more dogs and cats entering shelters than there are people willing to provide them with loving care. Even if you do find homes for your companion animal's puppies or kittens, that means there are fewer homes available to take in other animals from shelters. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.
Help your Community … and Yourself
Homeless animals may get into trash containers, defecate in the neighborhood and bite or attack. Spaying or neutering your companion animal means that your animal and its potential offspring won't contribute to the population of unwanted animals.
You can also enjoy your spayed or neutered companion animal more. Female animals that have been spayed do not go into heat. You won't have the mess that comes with the female reproductive cycle or the boisterous, noisy male suitors. Spaying and neutering may also reduce the risk of certain health problems, offering you more years with your beloved dog or cat.
Safe and Effective
Licensed veterinarians perform the spay or neuter operation while the companion animal is under anesthesia. Depending on your companion animal's age, size and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you. If you have a new puppy or kitten, don't wait! Animals can become parents sooner than you think. Early age spay/neuter is safe and effective, so talk with your veterinarian at your companion animal's first visit.
Financial Assistance is Available
Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when you consider the benefits. It's a small price to pay to make sure your companion animal's offspring aren't euthanized. There are also a many clinics and veterinarians that offer subsidized and affordable spay and neuter services, and you can find such locations near you by using the search directory on the home page of this website.
It's Not Just for Dogs and Cats!
When being conscientious about the companion animal overpopulation, don't forget to spay or neuter your rabbit. Rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats and often end up in shelters where they must be euthanized. Spaying or neutering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. Spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers, which can be prevalent in mature females. A number of the clinics and vet offices in our directory also offer reduced-cost spay and neuter of rabbits, so don't be afraid to ask.
Millions of companion animal deaths each year are a tragedy—but it can be solved. By spaying and neutering your companion animal, you can be an important part of the solution. Contact your veterinarian today or find a reduced-cost clinc in our directory and be sure to let your family and friends know that they should do the same.
Information courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States
