Welcome to Pet Parenthood!
Bringing a new furry friend into your life is exciting, heartwarming, and—let’s be honest— can be a little overwhelming. You want to give them the best life possible, and one of the most important steps in responsible pet ownership is getting them spayed or neutered. But what does that actually mean, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down!
What is Spaying & Neutering and Why Should You Fix Your Pets?
Spaying (for female pets) and neutering (for male pets) are safe, routine surgical procedures that prevent pets from reproducing. These procedures are performed by veterinarians and come with numerous health and behavioral benefits. Here’s the scoop: spaying and neutering aren’t just about preventing litters. They improve your pet’s health, behavior, and even help the larger pet community.
Health Benefits
Longer, Healthier Life: Spayed/neutered pets tend to live longer because they have a lower risk of reproductive cancers and infections. “Spayed female cats live 39% longer, and neutered male cats live 62% longer than their unaltered counterparts. (HUMANESOCIETY.ORG)
Reduced Cancer Risk: Spaying helps prevent infections and cancer of the uterus and breast tumors (which are often found to be cancerous in female pets). Neutering prevents testicular cancer and reduces prostate issues in male pets.
No Risk of Pyometra: This life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed females can be completely avoided just by spaying your pet!
Behavioral Benefits
Less Roaming = Less Danger: Neutered males are less likely to wander away from home in search of a mate, reducing the risk of getting lost or injured.
Fewer Dominant Behaviors: Pets that are spayed or neutered tend to be calmer and less prone to displays of dominance.
Goodbye, Marking & Spraying: Neutered males are less likely to mark their territory by spraying (yes, even your furniture!).
No More Heat Cycles: Female pets won’t go into heat, which means no yowling, restless behavior, or unwanted attention from male animals.
Community Benefits
Reducing Overpopulation: Millions of pets end up in shelters every year, and many don’t find homes. Spaying and neutering prevent accidental litters, reducing the number of homeless animals. “Approximately 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States simply because they do not have homes. “ (dosomething.org)
Less Stray & Feral Populations: Uncontrolled pet populations lead to more strays, which can overwhelm shelters and rescue organizations like us.
Saving Lives! By preventing unwanted litters, we help reduce euthanasia rates in shelters.
Myth vs. Fact
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions!
Myth: Spaying/neutering makes pets lazy and overweight.
Fact: Proper diet and exercise keep pets at a healthy weight, regardless of their spay/neuter status.
Myth: My pet should have one litter first.
Fact: There’s no medical benefit to letting your pet have a litter. Spaying early is actually healthier!
Myth: It’s too expensive.
Fact: Many low-cost spay/neuter programs exist, and it’s much cheaper than caring for a litter of puppies or kittens. “An unspayed female cat can produce up to 25 kittens in a single year.” (DOGSTER.COM) That is definitely more expensive!
Help Us Cover the Cost of Spay & Neuter for our Residents!
Did you know? Every pet adopted from our shelter is spayed or neutered before heading to their forever home! This important step, which costs around $250 per pet, isn’t fully covered by adoption fees—but it’s worth it to prevent overpopulation and keep pets healthy and happy. Spaying and neutering helps reduce unwanted litters, keeps shelters from overcrowding, and promotes better behavior and health for longer, happier lives.
Donations from animal lovers like you help us continue this lifesaving work.
Donate today to help us spay and neuter more pets in need! Every contribution ensures that more animals can live happy, healthy lives.
📅 Schedule a Vet Appointment: If your pet isn’t yet spayed or neutered, book a consultation with your veterinarian or if you cannot afford your typical vet reach out to any of these low cost vet options: Emancipet, PAWS Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic, and the Pennsylvania SPCA
📣 Spread the Word! Encourage other pet parents to do the same—every pet that gets spayed or neutered helps the bigger picture.
By making this decision, you’re ensuring a healthier, happier life for your pet and helping animals everywhere. Now, go give your furry friend some extra belly rubs—you’re an amazing pet parent!
References
Humane Society: “Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Pet.” Humanesociety.org
Dogster: “Spay and Neuter Statistics.” Dogster.com
DoSomething.org: “11 Facts About Spaying and Neutering.” DoSomething.org