The problem...
More than 7 million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year in our Nation's shelters. Millions more stray or abandoned animals never make it to a shelter, and die premature deaths from starvation and disease.

The solution...
How do you play a part in stopping these senseless deaths? By spaying or neutering your pet. This action can help stop the cycle of uncontrolled breeding that produce the unwanted, unloved and forsaken animals that currently populate our animal shelters.

The benefits of spaying...
Spaying, the procedure used for female pets, eliminates the heat cycle or "estrus". Twice a year dogs can go into heat for approximately 21 days. Cats can be in heat between 3-15 days as many as 3 or more times a year.
By sterilizing a female pet, the desperate attempt of a dog or cat to find a mat will cease. Unwelcome visits by potential male "suitors" will terminate as they will no longer be drawn by the scent of the female in heat.
Almost half of unspayed dogs will develop breast tumors, but virtually no tumors occur if spaying is done before their first heat cycle. Spaying also eliminates the possibility of developing uterine or ovarian cancer.

The benefits of neutering...
Neutering, the procedure used for male pets, eliminates most roaming associated with the search for a mate. This in turn reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning and traffic deaths. Neutered pets are more content and better behaved.
Neutering reduces the urge of male dogs to "mount" and make cats to "mark" their territory. Neutered pets are also less likely to develop prostate problems and testicular tumors.

Understanding the process...
Dogs and cats have no psychological sex drive. They feel no need to reproduce and are more quiescent when they are spayed or neutered. For either gender, spaying and neutering removes discomfort, distress and distraction and makes your pet a more content family member. On the average, spayed and neutered pets live longer too.
Spaying and neutering is a relatively safe and painless operation done by a licensed veterinarian. The cost of the procedure depends on the age, size, sex and health of the pet. Spaying is typically cheaper for small pets. Many humane societies offer discounts for the operation. Some communities have low-cost clinics available to low-income families. Spaying or neutering can be done at any age, providing the animal is in good health and not overweight.

Local Low-Cost Spaying and Neutering Organizations...

National Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Organization...