Top 9 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Last year, 181,437 dogs and cats entered Georgia shelters. 152,183 were saved. Those numbers earned Georgia a state-by-state-no-kill priority ranking of 6^th place.*

Reason #1 : Population Control

Spaying and neutering helps to control pet overpopulation and reduce the number of unwanted pets that end up in animal shelters.

Reason #2 : Improved Health

There is clinical evidence that spaying or neutering reduces the risks of certain kinds of cancer like mammary and uterine in females and testicular in males. Studies also suggest that neutered males have the lowest rate of prostate cancer.

Reason #3: Behavior Benefits

Spaying and neutering can reduce or eliminate behaviors associated with mating, such as roaming, barking, spraying, and fighting. In fact, female cats will stay in heat until they are bred.

Reason #4: Longer Life

On average, spayed and neutered pets live longer, healthier lives than their non-sterilized counterparts.

Reason #5: Better relationships with owners

Pets that are spayed or neutered are generally easier to manage, train, and live with, leading to a stronger bond between pet and owner. The surgery changes the hormonal balance, making pets overall more comfortable too.

Reason #6: Cost Saving

The cost of spaying or neutering is usually less than the cost of caring for a litter of puppies or kittens. Over time, spaying and neutering can also reduce the cost of medical expenses associated with certain health problems.

Reason #7: Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases

Neutered male cats are less likely to develop feline immuno deficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), while spayed female cats are less likely to develop pyometra, an infection of the uterus.

Reason #8: Raise Awareness for World Spay Day

World Spay Day is an annual event celebrated on the lastTuesday of February to raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. The event was created by the Doris Day Animal League (DDAL) in1995 to promote and encourage the spaying and neutering of pets as a means of reducing pet overpopulation. World Spay Day highlights the benefits of spaying and neutering, including reducing the number of unwanted pets, improving the health of pets, and reducing the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues.It’s an opportunity for animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and pet owners to come together and advocate for responsible pet ownership through spaying and neutering.

Reason #9: Reduce number of unwanted pets in area Animal shelters

Intakes are up and adoptions are down 19% post pandemic.People are losing jobs or having to move and can’t take care of their pets.

Overall, spaying and neutering can bring numerous health, behavior, and population control benefits for pets and their owners. Your veterinarian can provide you with more information about the specific risks and benefits associated with the procedure for your pet.Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

*Best Friends Animal Society