You’ve probably heard the familiar refrain, “Have your pets spayed or neutered,” echoing from game shows to public service announcements and even on catchy t-shirt slogans. Despite the constant reminders, statistics reveal that many people still overlook this valuable advice. Here at the Good Shepherd Humane Society and Animal Shelter, we’d like to emphasize the significance of spaying or neutering your pets in a friendly and informative manner. This simple, cost-effective procedure can make a world of difference by reducing the number of unexpected litters of puppies and kittens and benefiting everyone involved.
Pets in Need Everywhere
It’s not just a concern in our local area; it’s a nationwide issue. Across the United States, there are millions of homeless animals, and countless shelters are tirelessly working to combat this problem. Were you aware that every year, 6-8 MILLION animals enter animal shelters? These animals are healthy and adoptable, but finding homes for such a massive number of pets is a daunting task. The most effective way to address this issue is by spaying and neutering your pets.
Healthier, Happier Pets
In a 2013 report by USA Today, it was revealed that pets living in states with high spaying and neutering rates tend to enjoy longer, healthier lives. According to the report, neutered male dogs live 18% longer than unneutered ones, while spayed female dogs live 23% longer than their unspayed counterparts.
Additionally, altered pets face reduced risks of certain types of cancers. They also exhibit less inclination to roam compared to unaltered animals, which decreases their exposure to potential dangers like fights and accidents.
Your Well-Behaved Companion
There are several misconceptions surrounding spaying and neutering, one being that it fundamentally changes an animal’s personality. Rest assured, your dog will still maintain their protective instincts. However, spaying and neutering can also help curb undesirable behaviors, such as spraying and marking.
Experts recommend having your pet altered at an early age (around 4 months) to prevent these behaviors from becoming issues. Neutering, for example, effectively addresses 90% of all marking problems and can also reduce the urge to roam, minimize howling, and more.
Savings in Every Way
Having your pet spayed or neutered is an investment not only in their quality of life but also in yours. There are affordable programs available that offer low-cost and assisted spaying and neutering services. Additionally, consider the stark contrast in care costs between altered and unaltered pets. Treating a pet with reproductive system cancer or pyometra can quickly become exorbitant, often running into thousands of dollars. When compared to the cost of a spay or neuter procedure, the choice becomes clear.
Spaying and neutering your pets is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. We strongly recommend it, and it’s a choice that just makes sense. If you have any questions about where to have your pet undergo this procedure, the steps involved, or anything else related to pet care, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Contact the Good Shepherd Humane Society, we’re here to help you take the right steps toward responsible pet ownership!