February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month! Beyond the many health and behavioral benefits for pets, it’s also crucial to controlling pet overpopulation and preventing unplanned litters in our community. The ARL is dedicated to this mission through many programs including TNR, spay and neutering all adoptable pets, and making sure the community has access to affordable and quality vet care at our ARL Afford-A-Care Clinics.
- Better for their health. Spaying/neutering increases your pet’s chances of living a longer, healthier life.
- Major health benefits for female pets include preventing life-threatening uterine infections, eliminating the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, and dramatically reducing the risk of mammary cancer.
- For male pets, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces their chances of developing prostate disease.
- No more heat cycle. Spaying female pets eliminates the heat cycle, as well as associated mood swings and undesirable behaviors such as bleeding and crying.
- Reduction in spraying. Neutering male cats reduces problems with urine spraying by removing the hormone-driven urge to mark territory.
- Less likely to roam. Neutered animals are less likely to wander and become lost, reducing their risk of injury and of contracting diseases while roaming.
- Behavioral benefits. Neutered males may be better behaved, calmer, and more affectionate. Neutering can also help with some aggression problems. Spayed/neutered animals also tend to get along better with other animals.
- Keeping pets out of the shelter. Spaying/neutering helps fight pet overpopulation. In 2024, approximately 607,000 cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized at animal shelters across the country, according to Shelter Animals Count. These high numbers are often the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.
- There are no benefits of letting your pet have ”just one litter.” Research shows that much of the pet population problem stems from this idea. “Just one litter” from thousands of families can create many thousands of unwanted pets.
- Quicker, safer recoveries. Sterilization at an early age offers quicker recovery and less stress on the pet. It’s generally considered safe for healthy kittens and puppies as young as 8 weeks old to be spayed or neutered.
Need to spay/neuter your pet? The ARL’s Afford-a-Care Clinics offer affordable, high-quality veterinary care. Book your appointment at ARL-AffordACare.com.
