#9 – Neutering male cats at a young age decreases the likelihood that they will “spray” to mark their territory.

If a male cat reaches sexual maturity and begins spraying, neutering may not totally solve the problem, but it is a step in the right direction.

#8 – Your spayed female won’t go into heat.

A female cat can go into heat 4 to 5 days every 3 weeks during breeding season, during which time they will yowl and urinate more frequently. Unspayed female dogs generally have a bloody discharge for approximately 7-10 days and can get pregnant for another week after that.

#7 – Your pet won’t roam away from home.

Both male and female pets will do just about anything to mate during breeding season. Male dogs can smell an intact female as far away as 3 miles!  It also decreases the chances of them getting lost.

#6 – It is more cost effective.

If your pet roams away from home, (see #7), the chances increase that they can become injured in traffic, or get into fights with other animals. If your pet gets picked up as a stray by animal control, you will have to pay fines in most municipalities to get them out.

#5 – Your male pet will be better behaved.

Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. In addition, they are less likely to mark their territory, mount (or hump) objects (including humans).

#4 – Spaying/Neutering doesn’t affect your pet’s personality or its ability to guard your home or hunt.

If anything, it makes your pet better behaved (see #5) because they are more focused on you. In addition, their ability to protect your home is the same as if they aren’t altered, and are less likely to be distracted by other dogs while hunting.

#3 – It’s good for the community.

Stray animals can pose real problems for a community. They can prey on wildlife, cause vehicular accidents, and endanger children. It’s also costly for taxpayers, who foot the bill for municipal shelters to pick up, house, and dispose of unwanted animals, which has been estimated to be approximately $2 billion.

#2 – You don’t have to worry about unwanted litters.

Having an unwanted litter creates a lot of problems, including paying for extra mouths to feed, and finding homes for them. If you take them to a shelter or rescue organization, it is costly for them to house, feed, and care for them.

And the # 1 reason to have your pet spayed/neutered - It reduces the number of dogs/cats/puppies/kittens that are killed in our shelters due to pet overpopulation!

Euthanasia is the #1 killer of companion animals in this country!  And we’re doing it intentionally in our shelters across the country every day. Each day, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. That represents one human to 15 dogs or 45 cats. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes. 5 out of 10 dogs and 7 out of 10 cats in shelters are euthanized. Spay-neuter saves lives.

Here is the truth behind some commonly spread myths about spaying and neutering.

Myth: My pet needs to have a litter/one heat before sterilization.

Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.

Myth: It’s not natural to spay/neuter and will upset my dog or cat.

Fact: The domestication of animals removed them from the “natural order” and placed responsibility for their care with humans. Applying human emotions to animals is neither realistic nor applicable when it comes to identifying a need for sterilization.

Myth: I want my dog to be protective.

Fact: It is a dog’s natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

Myth: I do not want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.

Fact: Pets do not have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality. He does not suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy.

Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and do not give them enough exercise.

Myth: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

Fact: Your pet’s puppies or kittens have little chance of being an exact copy of your pet. Even professional breeders cannot make this guarantee. There are homeless pets waiting for homes who are just as cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own.

Euthanasia rates increase exponentially in areas where there are no viable spay/neuter programs readily available.

Dogs are 15 times, and cats are 45 times, as prolific as humans.

Dogs and cats enjoy many behavioral and health benefits from surgical sterilization.