Why spay and neuter aspca

Caring for a pet with reproductive system cancer or pyometra can easily run thousands of dollars—five to 10 times as much as a routine spay or neuter surgery. In cases where intact dogs and cats may fight, treatment of their related injuries can also result in high veterinary costs. Rabbits reproduce faster than dogs and cats and, in some regions, are the second most frequent species surrendered to shelters.

Neutering male rabbits can also reduce hormone-driven behaviors such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. And as with dogs and cats, spayed female rabbits are less likely to get ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers which can be prevalent in mature intact females. By spaying or neutering your pet, you can help protect them against certain illnesses, perhaps address certain unwanted behaviors and save money. Your pet's health and longevity The average lifespan of spayed and neutered cats and dogs is demonstrably longer than the lifespan of those not.

These are the best general recommendations that can be drawn from a thorough analysis of research currently available: Owned cats should be altered before they are 5 months old as they can become pregnant at 4 months of age and older. Owned female dogs should be spayed before they are 5 months old. Owned small, medium and large breed male dogs should be neutered before they are 5 months old.

Owned giant breed male dogs who are house pets should be neutered after growth stops, between 12 to 15 months of age due to orthopedic concerns. Wellness Clinic Pricing. Pet Food Assistance. Wagging Tales Reading Program. Workforce Development. Wellness Clinic. Shelter Medicine. End-of-Life Service for Public. Our Story. Our People. Our Community. Contact Us. Ways to Support.

Without spay and neuter initiatives, homeless animals are often euthanized, neglected or die of disease. Sterilization is critical for management of free-roaming dogs and cats and related disease control concerns. Sterilizing community dogs and returning them to their territories on the streets allows for a natural reduction in their population over time and leaves the most socialized dogs on the streets. We have found that the public views these sterilized and vaccinated dogs identifiable via an ear notch or other marking more favorably and the human-dog interaction improves.

Sterilizing pets prevents them from contributing to the problem of homeless or abandoned dogs and cats. Females no longer have a heat cycle; this eliminates the attraction and approach of unwanted attention by male dogs. This way, they can better serve as watchdogs, may not need to be tied up, and are less likely to contract disease or suffer injury.

Neutered dogs may actually be more protective, as they no longer are distracted by the temptations of breeding with females or fighting with other males. They are temporary, compassionate and necessary measures, undertaken in a time of unparalleled urgency. A new study estimates over 30 times fewer feline deaths could be seen with high-intensity TNR programs. Close Close. You are exploring.