Humane Society of Wilkes

P.O. Box 306, North

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Spay and Neuter Information Page

Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Spayed animals no longer feel the need to roam to look for a mate. The result is that they stay home and have less chance of being involved in traumatic accidents such as being hit by a car. They also have a much lower incidence of contracting contagious diseases, and get into fewer fights.

In males, neutering decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease and hernias, and eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer. It also reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination and other undesirable male behaviors.

In females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer (the rate goes down to almost zero if the spaying is done before the first heat cycle). It eliminates the chance of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many unspayed females. Spaying also eliminates the heat cycle and associated undesirable behaviors, and the attraction of all available males to your yard.

The simple fact is that spaying and neutering greatly increases the lifespan of your pet and increases quality of life as well.

WE CAN HELP!

The Humane Society of Wilkes has a spay neuter assistance program to help residents of Wilkes County pay for spaying and neutering their pets. Click Here for a form to request assistance. Return the form and you will receive a voucher that will entitle you to a reduced fee for your pet's surgery. Take your pet to your veterinarian for spaying or neutering and present the voucher. As our funds are limited, we can only issue 3 vouchers per household per calendar year. The amount is need based and depends on income.

An unspayed female cat, her mate and all of their offspring, producing 2 litters per year, with 2.8 surviving kittens per litter can total:

1 year : 2 years: 3 years: 4 years: 6 years: 8 years:	12 67 376 2,107 66,088 2,072,514
Please Honey, Just Calm Down. Let me Explain...

Six Common Excuses for Not Spaying or Neutering Pets

1. My pet will get fat and lazy.

Neutering or Spaying may diminish your pet's overall activity level by reducing his or her natural tendency to wander. Pets that become fat and lazy after being altered usually are overfed and do not get enough exercise.

2. We want another pet just like Rover and Fluffy.

Even breeding purebred animals rarely results in offspring that are exactly like one of the parents. With mixed breeds, it is virtually impossible to have offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.

3. My pet's personality will change.

Any change will be for the better. After being altered, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs and cats, have a better personality, and will less likely to wander. Spraying, which is often done by dogs and cats to mark their territory, diminishes after pets are altered.

4. We can sell the puppies or kittens and make money.

Breeders are fortunate if they break even on the raising purebred litters. The cost of raising a litter, which includes vaccinations, other health care costs, and feeding a quality food, consumes most of the "profit".

5. My children should witness our pet giving birth.

Pets often have their litters in the middle of the night or in a place of their own choosing. Because pets need privacy when giving birth, any unnecessary intrusion can cause the mother to become seriously upset, and may result in her not caring for the offspring.

6. I am worried about my pet undergoing anesthesia.

This is a very common concern of owners. Although there is always a slight risk involved, anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe. The medical benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh the slight risk involved with undergoing anesthesia. Consult your veterinarion if you are concerned about this aspect of the surgery.