11 Facts About Spaying and Neutering

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1. Around 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States simply because they do not have homes. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.^[The Humane Society of the United States. "Top Five Reasons to Adopt." 2014. Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
2. “Spay” means removing a female animal’s ovaries and uterus so that she cannot reproduce.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Spay/Neuter Glossary of Terms." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
3. "Neuter" refers to removing a male animal’s testicles so that he cannot reproduce. (“Neuter” can refer to either sex but is typically used for males).^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
4. Spaying and neutering dramatically reduces the number of stray animals on the streets and in shelters. You can find homes for shelter animals by acting as a public publicist. Sign up for Shelter Pet PR.^[The Humane Society of the United States. "Outdoor Cats: Frequently Asked Questions." 2015. Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
5. Pets should be spayed or neutered at young ages, before 6 months for a male and before a female’s first heat.^[North Shore Animal League America. "The Pet Owners FAQ." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
6. In the early 1900s, veterinarians advocated spaying female dogs between 3 and 6 months of age, or even prior to weaning, and castration was done as early as 4 weeks of age.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Pediatric Spay/Neuter." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
7. Spaying and neutering can reduce the incidence of some of the most common types of cancers, making it likelier for animals to live a longer and healthier life.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
8. Many states and counties have established low-cost spay/neuter programs that make surgery easily affordable and accessible.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
9. The cost of spaying and neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Pet Statistics." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
10. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat. Rather, lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]
11. Many unneutered pets have aggression problems and often mark their territory with strong-scented urine, which can make the household unbearable. Early neutering can nix aggression.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet." Web Accessed April 10, 2015.]