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Spay & Neuter Benefits Everyone

The surgery

  • "Spaying" is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in a female animal.
  • "Neutering" is the surgical removal of the testicles in a male animal.
  • "Fixing" or "sterilizing" are other terms for spaying/neutering.
  • Spaying your female pet is preferable before her first heat cycle which commonly occurs at 5 to 6 months of age.  However, it is never too late to spay/neuter your pet.
  • Spaying/neutering is a simple and very safe procedure performed under anesthesia by a veterinarian. 

Good for your pet

  • Spaying/neutering your pet decreases the risk of diseases and increases the quality of your pet's life.
  • Spaying/neutering decreases or eliminates the risk of certain types of cancer.

Good for you

  • It is a one-time cost that will ensure your pet's offspring do not end up in a shelter and euthanized.
  • Neutered male cats are significantly less likely to spray (urine-mark) or wander in search of female cats.
  • Female dogs or cats in heat can cry incessantly, act nervous, and attract males from all around.  Spaying eliminates the heat cycle.
  • Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to bite, roam, or get into fights.

Good for the community

  • Spaying/neutering is a compassionate solution to the overpopulation of dogs and cats which, in turn, will eliminate the need for euthanasia of unwanted animals.

Get your pet spayed or neutered, make your pet part of your family, give your pet love and affection, and you will be rewarded with the unconditional love and protection of a healthy pet.

 

 

SPAY & NEUTER MYTHS AND FACTS

Myth:  My female pet should have one litter before being spayed.

Fact:  The best time to spay your female dog or cat is before her first heat.  Early spaying decreases the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer by 95%.  Each heat cycle increases the risk for mammary cancer and uterine infection.  Spaying also eliminates unwanted males from harassing your pet.

Myth:  When my pet has a litter, I will find good homes for all the puppies or kittens.

Fact:  You may be lucky enough to find homes for all the puppies or kittens.  But many animals are discarded once they grow larger.  You have no guarantee that the puppies or kittens from your litter will be spayed or neutered or remain in the sames homes.  Too many animals end up in shelters where 3 - 4 million are euthanized each year.  For every puppy and kitten brought into the world by a well-meaning owner, another will die somewhere else, unwanted and homeless.  Be part of the solution and have your pet spayed/neutered now. 

Myth:  My male dog or cat will feel like less of a male.

Fact:  The concepts of masculinity and sexual identity are 100% human concepts.  Neutering your male dog or cat will not cause him to suffer any kind of emotional identity crisis nor will it change his basic personality.  Your pet will be healthier and a better companion.

Myth:  My pet will get fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered.

Fact:  Spaying/neutering does not make pets fat or lazy.  Pets get fat and lazy because they are fed too much and don't get enough exercise.  If your cat or dog shows signs of putting on a little weight, feed him less and increase his walks and play sessions.

Myth:  My pet is purebred.  Purebreds don't end up in animal shelters.

Fact:  25% of the animals turned into shelters are purebred, and purebreds are part of the more than 25,000 animals euthanized in southern Nevada each year.

Myth:  My pet is so special, and I want puppies/kittens to turn out just like my pet.

Fact:  Genetics is not an exact science and even professional breeders cannot guarantee how a litter of puppies/kittens will develop.  Don't add to the overpopulation problem on the slim chance you might get a puppy/kitten just like the parent.

Myth:  It's good for my children to witness the miracle of birth.

Fact:  Animals often go off by themselves to give birth or do so during the night.  While the birth of kittens and puppies may teach children a love of life and living things, this lesson can be taught in many other, more humane ways.  It should not be taught at the expense of the animal and her offspring. 

Myth:  My dog will no longer be a protective watchdog.

Fact:  Spaying/neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect your home and family.  A dog's temperament is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.