The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

Spaying and neutering refer to the surgical sterilization of an animal. In other words, spaying and neutering ensures that your pet cannot reproduce.

Pets are typically spayed or neutered when they are 4-6 months old although the procedure can be done from as early as 8 weeks old through to adulthood. It is best to have this surgery done before your pet reaches sexual maturity. Females should be spayed before their first heat. Some vets will also perform pediatric spay/neuter. Please consult with your vet.

We all have a responsibility to prevent unwanted animals from being euthanized everyday, simply because there are no homes for them. Even if your pet has a litter and you find homes for all of them, each of those pets takes a potential home away from other homeless pets waiting in a shelter. But aside from this responsibility, there are also significant health benefits for your pet.

Benefits of Spaying

Prevents pregnancy and the complications arising from pregnancy and delivery

Eliminates the heat cycle - you won't have to listen to the sounds of your female in heat, trying to get out and find a mate

Prevents unwelcome males from trying to seek out your female pet in heat

Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.

Eliminates sexual discomfort, distress, or distraction ... making your pet happier and more content.

Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system.

Benefits of Neutering

Reduces the distracting and destructive behavior associated with the male's efforts to get out and find a mate

Eliminates sexual discomfort, distress, or distraction ... making your pet happier and more content.

Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.

In cats, neutering stops or reduces marking behavior (territorial spraying of urine).

Reduces the urge to fight.

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