Why spay or neuter?

What is spay and neuter?

“Spay” refers to the sterilization of female pets, while “neuter” is more commonly used to refer to the castration of male pets.

Benefits of spay and neuter

  • Healthier Pets. Spay/neuter reduces or eliminates the risk of cancers and other diseases. Because spay/neuter often reduces the tendency to fight with other animals, it also protects your pet from these injuries and dangerous viruses that spread through bite wounds. Spayed/neutered animals wander less and stay closer to home, and thus are less likely to be lost or hit by cars.

  • Healthier Communities. Spay/neuter has a direct impact on the incidence of dog bites in a community. Up to 80 percent of dog bites are caused by intact (unaltered) male dogs; pregnant or nursing female dogs are also more likely to bite.

  • Fewer Homeless Pets. Spay/neuter directly impacts the number of animals that lose their lives in our shelters and on our streets. Having your pet spayed or neutered also frees up homes for homeless pets that are already born.

    Will my pet's behavior change? Spayed or neutered pets are often less aggressive, more relaxed, and even more affectionate. Contrary to what some people fear, pets show no signs of “missing” mating or breeding.

    Will my pet become fat? Just like people, pets become overweight when they eat too much and/or exercise too little…not because they were spayed or neutered!

    How young can a pet be spayed or neutered? Puppies and kittens can now be altered as young as eight weeks. If your veterinarian is trained in early spay/neuter, the procedures are fast and easy. In addition, the cost for spaying or neutering a dog is often based on the weight of the animal and increases along with the dog's weight.

    How long does it take for an animal to recover? Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, they generally bounce back fairly quickly.

    Isn't it healthier for my pet to have one litter? Medical evidence indicates just the opposite.

    How much does it cost? The cost varies depending on the services you request for your animal. Our clinic offers affordable services that help responsible pet owners solve the problem of too many homeless dogs and cats. For more information, contact us at (530) 477-1706.

    I want my kids to have the experience of raising puppies or kittens. Instead, contact AnimalSave and ask if you can sign up as a foster family.