Why Spay or Neuter


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One dog or cat having two litters a year, 
with just two puppies or kittens surviving to reproduce, can create 6,561 offspring 
in only 4 years.

There are also medical and behavioral benefits to having your dog or cat spayed or neutered:

Easier For You

Spaying

Neutering
Eliminates problematic ‘heat" cycles. Usually prevents tomcats from "spraying" foul smelling urine.
A spayed pet does not attract unwelcome males. Reduces annoying and embarrassing mounting behavior of male dogs.
Eliminate frantic pacing and crying associated with the heat cycle (cats can be especially vocal). Reduces aggression toward other animals; fewer fights can save money on vet bills—and aggravation.
A spayed pet qualifies for reduced license fees, which can help compensate for surgery expenses. A nuetered pet qualifies for reduced license fees, which can help compensate for surgery expenses.

Healthier For Your Pet

Spaying Neutering
A spayed animal is less likely to escape confinement, wander freely or get hit by a car. A neutered animal is less likely to escape confinement, wander freely or get hit by a car.
Eliminates problems of pregnancy and birth, and reduces the risk of uterine cancer and mammary tumors. Reduces the risk of prostate problems and testicular tumors.

Reduces Over Population

Spaying

Neutering

Eliminates unplanned litters of puppies and kittens.

A single dog or cat can be responsible for thousands of offspring in just a few years.

Eliminates Sexual Frustration

Spaying

Neutering

A spayed animal is friendlier and more relaxed
  • A frustrated male may destroy doors and windows, or jump fences in an attempt to reproduce.
  • A neutered animal is friendlier and more relaxed.

MYTHS

Spaying

Neutering
 

Spaying will make my pet fat. 

NOT TRUE. Spaying your animal will not make her fat or lazy. Too much food and not enough exercise results in obesity.

  

Neutering will make my pet fat

NOT TRUE. Neutering dogs will not make your animal fat or lazy. Too much food and not enough exercise results in obesity.
 

I will find homes for my puppies or kittens.

NOT TRUE. Good homes are hard to find! Fifteen million animals are euthanized in the United States each year. For every puppy or kitten placed from your litter, another animal is put to sleep because there was no home available.

 Neutering takes away "guard dog" instincts.

NOT TRUE. Neutering a dog does not reduce his ability as a guard dog. Dogs remain protective of their territory regardless of sterilization.
I heard that she should have one litter first.

NOT TRUE. It is healthier for her NOT to a litter or heat cycle before being spayed. She can be spayed as early as eight weeks of age and will usually recover in less than 24 hours.

  

Neutering is painful for animals.

NOT TRUE. Neutering is a safe and relatively painless operation performed by a licensed veterinarian. Your pet will appreciate the freedom from sexual frustration, he can be neutered as early as eight weeks of age and will usually recover in less than 24 hours.

For more information on spaying or neutering your pet, please consult your veterinarian. These websites also offer information:

Dog Owner's Guide: Spay/Neuter Surgery    Health Care Issues    Canine Spay

Many unwanted animals were put down in the Treasure Valley last year. Please help reduce the number of pets looking for homes by spaying and neutering, educating yourself before choosing a pet and helping us educate your friends.

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Please remember to carry bags & clean up after your dog!