Benefits of Spay/Neuter

• Benefits of Spaying (females):
  • No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted
  • Less desire to roam
  • Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle
  • Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies
  • Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives
• Benefits of Neutering (males):
  • Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking
  • Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents
  • Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease
  • Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies
  • Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites
  • Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives

Consider these statistics as to how just one litter can result in hundreds to thousands of unwanted pets:

The Fruitful Cat		The Fruitful Dog
1st year	3 litters = 12 offspring	1st year	4 offspring w/ 2 females
2nd year	144 offspring	2nd year	12 offspring
3rd year	1,728 offspring	3rd year	36 offspring
4th year	10,736 offspring	4th year	324 offspring

Estimated number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year:  6-8 million (HSUS estimate)

Estimated number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:  3-4 million (HSUS estimate)

Estimated percent of dogs in shelters who are purebred:  25 percent (HSUS estimate)

 

Myths & Facts

Myth: Spaying and neutering is painful to my dog or cat.

Truth: Surgical sterilization is performed under general anesthesia by a doctor of veterinary medicine. The procedure itself is not felt by the patient.  There may be mild discomfort after the surgery, but most animals return to normal activity within 24.  The minimal discomfort experienced by dogs and cats that are spayed or neutered can be lessened with post-operative pain medications and is well worth the endless suffering that is prevented by eliminating homeless puppies and kittens.

Myth: Female dogs and cats should have at least one litter before having them spayed.

Truth: There is no medical evidence to justify allowing a dog or cat to have a litter before spaying. In fact, spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the possibility of developing uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the threat of breast cancer.

Myth: Animals become less active and overweight as a result of spaying or neutering.

Truth: As any animal matures, it is necessary for human guardians to adjust dietary intake to compensate for more sedentary lifestyles. Animals become overweight only when they are fed too much and not exercised properly.

Myth: Behavior is adversely affected by sterilization.

Truth: The only changes in dog and cat behavior after spaying or neutering are positive changes.  Male cats tend to reduce territorial spraying, depending on their age at neutering. Neutered dogs and cats fight less, resulting in fewer bite and scratch wounds and lessening the spread of contagious diseases.  Male dogs and cats tend to stay home more after neutering because they no longer wander in search of a mate.

Myth: Children should be allowed to witness the miracle of birth.

Truth: Most dogs and cats have their litters at night in quiet, dark places far out of anyone’s sight.  Besides, every litter of puppies and kittens born contributes to the thousands of unwanted dogs and cats who die every day across America in our nation’s pounds and animal shelters.

Myth: Spaying and neutering are expensive.

Truth: The cost of sterilization varies greatly from one private veterinarian to another.  However there are many, many low cost options out there.

 

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options

Idaho

SNIP (Spay Neuter Idaho Pets), currently has low cost spay/neuter vouchers for both dogs and cats.    For more voucher information visit the SNIP website.

 Utah

Spay Neuter Salt Lake:  160 E 4800 S, Murray, UT (801) 262-6414