It is Critical that You Spay/Neuter Your Pets!

• Millions of homeless animals are euthanized in this country each year.  In fact, euthanasia of healthy animals is the biggest cause of death for domestic animals. Most of these animals could have been loving, adoptable companion animals for someone. Sadly, they are killed because there are not enough homes for all of the unwanted animals.
• The reason for this pet overpopulation is simple. There are too many animals born. The answer to this problem is simple – at least in theory. All companion animals should be spayed or neutered. Doing so is part of being a responsible pet owner.
• Even if you think that you can find good homes for the offspring of your pet, you can never guarantee that those offspring will not breed and that all subsequent generations of animals will be able to find homes. Furthermore, when someone adopts one of the offspring of your pet, that means that person is not adopting a homeless animal from a shelter or rescue group.
• Maybe you think that by allowing your pet to have offspring you will be able to have a carbon copy of your pet. The truth is that you can never predict the personalities of the offspring. Instead, go to your local shelter or rescue group and find a loving animal who has just the personality traits that you are looking for – and in the process save a life.
• If you think that your children should “experience the miracle of birth” or that they will enjoy seeing the young babies grow, please think again. The bigger lesson that you need to teach your children is what it is to be a responsible pet guardian, which includes spaying and neutering. Teach them that preventing animal births can save lives.​ Better yet, teach your children through fostering homeless animals.

Prevent serious and sometimes deadly health problems for your pet.

Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer. It also greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, especially if it is done before the first estrous cycle. Health problems and death related to pregnancy are, obviously, eliminated.  

Neutering eliminates the chance of testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate cancer.

Prevent behavioral problems in companion animals.

• Unaltered animals will want to stray and roam looking for a mate. This can put them at risk for all of the dangers faced by cats and dogs outside (being hit by a car, deadly infectious diseases, poisoning by chemicals, predators (both wild and human) and getting lost or being stolen. A companion animal that does not feel the urge to roam, will form a stronger and more loving relationship with his/her human. 
• Females that have been spayed and, most especially, males that have been neutered are significantly less likely to spray urine to mark their territory, are less aggressive, and often exhibit fewer temperament problems than those who have not been sterilized.​

Reduce health care costs and licensing fees.

Spaying and neutering can be done for very little money.  However, no matter what the cost, it will be less expensive than paying for health problems that can occur from not having your animal spayed and neutered.  

What is involved with spaying/neutering?

Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their ovaries and uterus, like what is involved when a human female has a total hysterectomy. Males are neutered by removing their testicles. These procedures are done under general anesthesia and are quite safe. Pets typically go home a few hours after the procedure. Your veterinarian can describe the procedures in detail and discuss the many benefits and rare risks. Contrary to myth, having your pet spayed and neutered will not necessarily cause him to gain weight. Keeping your pet active and watching what he eats are the best ways to keep your pet at a healthy weight. 

When should you spay/neuter your pets?

Many veterinarians perform spay/neuter surgery at 8-12 weeks of age. As long as the puppy or kitten is healthy and weighs at least 2 pounds, he/she can easily be sterilized. Young animals recover much more quickly than older animals. Spaying and neutering are best performed before your pet goes through their first heat cycle and will decreases the chance of developing cancers and/or prostate-related problems. The American Veterinary Medical Association supports early spay/neuter practices. Even if your pet is older, remember that it is never too late to have your pet spayed/neutered. She/he will always be able to enjoy the many benefits of the procedure.

Where can you have your pets spayed/neutered?

If you are adopting from Little Buddies, your adoption fee includes the cost of spay/neuter services at one of our preferred veterinary practices. For your other companion animals, your regular veterinarian can spay/neuter your animal. If you do not have the financial capability to afford to spay/neuter your animal, please do not let this stop you. There are many places in the Metro Area and across the country that offer low cost spay/neuter. In addition, many shelters and humane societies will provide financial assistance. If you receive any type of public assistance and would like to have your pet spayed or neutered and cannot afford it, you may contact Little Buddies to apply for financial assistance.