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Click here for low-cost spay/neuter services in the Tampa Bay area...
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Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet


What do "spay" and "neuter" really mean?


Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.


First: Spaying and Neutering is Good for Your Pet

Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.


Second: Spaying and Neutering is Good for You

Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats.
Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
Spaying and neutering makes pets less likely to bite.
Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.


Third: Spaying and Neutering is Good for the Community


Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals. Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals. Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs. Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.
Spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost that is relatively small when compared to the benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.

Copyright © 2001 The Humane Society of the United States.
Did you know: Over a seven-year period, one mating male and one mating female can produce (with offspring producing, too) between 700,000 and 800,000 animals?  That's with only 2 surviving littermates per litter.
Did you know: That because of the pet overpopulation problem (lack of spay/neuter, irresponsible breeders, irresponsible animal guardians, buying a pet rather than adopting from a shelter, puppy mills and pet stores) the animal shelters of this country will destroy between 8 and 10 million companion animals this year alone?  Think of that the next time you see a Petland.
What you can do:

1.  Spay or neuter your companion animal(s);
2.  Spay or neuter a stray or the companion animal of a friend (what a great gift idea!);
3.  Educate those around you.  Inform others of the plight of companion animal overpopulation, urge folks to adopt from a shelter or rescue, and make others aware of the evil that lurks behind the puppy/kitten store windows;
4.  Ask your vet to donate time at a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, or ask that he/she provide a low-cost service to lower income individuals;
5.  Donate to your local shelter that promotes the spaying and neutering of companion animals;
6.  Volunteer at your local shelter or spay/neuter clinic.
Click here for low-cost spay/neuter services in the Tampa Bay area...
Remember, we can't adopt our way out of this.  Prevention is the key.