Spay & Neuter FAQ
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This FAQ is based on a resource available from Best Friends Animal Society, the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless pets.
Spaying or neutering is one of the greatest gifts you can provide your pet, your family, and your community. These routine medical procedures not only help control pet overpopulation, but they may also prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing, allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier and happier life.
Q. What is spay/neuter?
A. The word “spay” refers to the sterilization of female pets. The term “neuter,” while more commonly used to refer to the castration of male pets, can be used to describe the sterilization of either female or male pets.
Q. What are some benefits of spay/neuter?
A. Healthy Pets. Spay/neuter improves your pet’s health, reducing or eliminating the risk of certain cancers and other diseases. Because spay/neuter often reduces the tendency to fight with other animals, it also protects your pet from fight-related injuries and from dangerous viruses spread through bite wounds. Spayed/neutered animals wander less and stay closer to home. As a result, they are less likely to be lost or hit by cars.
Happy Families. Spay/neuter reduces or eliminates spraying (marking objects with a spray of urine), yowling/howling, escaping, and other troublesome behaviors. You won’t have to deal with the mess or the inconvenience of a pet in heat (or a male pet reacting to a female in heat). You’ll be saved the considerable amount of time, money, and hassle (not to mention property damage!) involved in raising litters of puppies or kittens.
Healthy Communities. Spay/neuter has a direct impact on the incidence of dog bites in a community. The majority of dog bites (60–80 percent) are caused by intact male dogs. Pregnant or nursing female dogs are more likely to bite as well. Reducing your pet’s likelihood of biting or fighting may also help protect you from potential legal action. Spayed/neutered pets are less likely to engage in behaviors that could cause problems with neighbors.
No More Homeless Pets. Spay/neuter directly impacts the number of animals that lose their lives in our shelters and on our streets. Having your pet spayed or neutered frees up homes for homeless pets that are already born. By getting your pet fixed, you are part of the campaign to reach the day when there are truly no more homeless pets!
Q. Will my pet’s behavior change after the surgery?
A. Spay/neuter can result in some behavior changes – for the better! Spayed or neutered pets are often less aggressive, more relaxed, and even more affectionate. Contrary to what some people fear, pets show no signs of “missing” mating or breeding. Rather, they are more content without those raging hormones!
Q. Will my pet become fat?
A. Just like people, pets become overweight when they eat too much and/or exercise too little. An appropriate diet and sufficient activity will keep your pet slender and healthy.
Q. How young can a dog or cat be spayed/neutered?
A. Dr. Schindler of Eastern Shore Pet Hospital can spay or neuter your pet once they reach the age of three months, or weigh 2-3 pounds. Though they may seem fragile at that age, healthy puppies and kittens are actually quite strong and recover quickly from the surgery. In addition, the cost for spaying or neutering a dog is often based on the weight of the animal and increases along with the dog’s weight. Spaying or neutering early can save you money!
Q. How long does it take for an animal to recover from the procedure?
A. Depending on your pet’s age, size, and health, he/she may be kept at the vet’s for a few hours or overnight. Dr. Schindler of Eastern Shore Pet Hospital can give you more details. The surgery to fix animals is routine, and they generally bounce back fairly quickly.
Q. Isn’t it healthier for my pet to have one litter?
A. Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Cats can go into heat and get pregnant as early as five months of age, so it’s important to spay early.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The cost varies, depending on the gender and weight of the dog or cat, but spay/neuter is a one-time cost, a bargain when you consider the cost of taking care of litter after litter of puppies or kittens. Also, we at Eastern Shore Pet Hospital know today's economy is tough on even the most conscientious pet owners, so we've arranged to spay or neuter your dog or cat for less than $100. Click here to view our spay/neuter prices.
Q. But, what if I want my kids to have the experience of raising puppies or kittens?
A. Contact your local shelter or rescue group (like the Baldwin County Humane Society or the Fairhope Cat Coalition, both located in Fairhope, Alabama, or the Azalea City Cat Coalition, located in Mobile, Alabama) and ask if you can sign up as a foster family for expectant or new mothers. While most mothers prefer not to have an audience while they are actually giving birth, your family may be able to play an invaluable role as a foster family for newborn puppies or kittens.
So, make an appointment today with your current veterinarian or with Dr. Schindler at Eastern Shore Animal Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama to spay or neuter your pets. They’ll be happier, and so will you!
photo credit: Bill in Ash Vegas
This FAQ is based on a resource available from Best Friends Animal Society.
Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road • Kanab, UT 84741
Phone: (435) 644-2001 • Fax: (435) 644-2078
E-mail: info@bestfriends.org
Best Friends – the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless pets.
Best Friends – the nation’s largest network of people who care about animals.
Best Friends – working with you and with humane groups across the country to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets.
