Why Spay/Neuter? It Just Makes Sense!

 An increasing number of pets are losing their homes or are surrendered to animal control organizations. In the United States, that number is in the millions. There are 45 times as many cats, and 15 times as many dogs, as there are humans. These animals need our help to humanely reduce overpopulation until there are good homes for them all.
 

It increases the chances of a long and healthy life.

Altering dogs increases life expectancy an average of one to three years; for cats, it is three to five years. Altered animals have very low to no risk of mammary gland tumors, prostate cancer, and perennial tumors. They are no longer at risk for pyometra, uterine, ovarian, or testicular cancers. A recent large-scale study demonstrated that, on average, neutered male cats live 63% longer than those who are not neutered. Spayed female cats live an average of 39% longer than unspayed cats. This increase in life span was also seen in dogs, with neutered males living 18% longer and spayed females living 23% longer than their unaltered counterparts.

A sterilized pet is a better pet.

Neutering reduces the urge to roam, urine mark (spraying), and decreases the risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt. Surveys indicate that as many as 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered. Unaltered male cats living out-of-doors have been shown to live on average less than two years. Intact cats are more likely to get into fights, increasing the risk of contracting some fatal diseases which are spread by bites. Spaying a female pet eliminates the heat cycles and the problems that go with them, including bleeding, inappropriate urination, constant crying or yowling, and general nervousness. Since altered pets are healthier, spaying or neutering your pet will save you money on vet bills in the long-term.
 

Your community benefits.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, stray and unwanted animals are becoming a very real concern in many places. They can easily be regarded as a public nuisance—soiling parks and streets, creating noise and other disturbances. As a potential source of rabies and exponentially growing populations, we believe in a preventative approach. By ensuring all animals have access to affordable spay/neuter and vaccinations, we can decrease or eliminate many of these concerns. This is particularly true for community cats and making sure all community cats have been spay/neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and ear-tipped.

Each year, the capture and destruction of unwanted cats and dogs costs taxpayers and private humanitarian agencies more than a billion dollars.