Not sure why you should spay or neuter your pet? Read on to discover the benefits of this simple life-saving procedure.

Unfortunately, there is a huge population of unwanted pets nationwide and in our state. Cats can get pregnant as early as five months old, and dogs as early as six months old, and each can have two to three litters each year. Every year over 100,000 dogs and cats end up homeless in Mississippi shelters, and sadly there are just not enough people who adopt from those shelters. More than 70,000 do not make it out alive. 

Some animals in shelters are saved from living on the street or from cruelty, while some are disowned by their families. Countless others never make it to shelters and suffer without someone to care for them. Spaying or neutering pets prevents animals from being born accidentally, and is the most effective and humane way to save animals lives.

Benefits for you and your pet

Beyond doing your part to end animal homelessness, spaying or neutering is helpful to both you and your pet as well. 

Your pet will live a longer, healthier life and you will have a much easier time caring for them!

Spaying/neutering reduces or eliminates:

• The odds of breast cancer and dangerous uterine infections in females and prostate problems and testicular cancer in males.
• Frustration in resisting the natural urge to mate. Your companion will be less distracted, more easily trained, and a more contented member of your family.
• The animal's need to roam in search of a mate, decreasing the chances that your pet will become lost, get into fights with other animals or be hit by a car.
• Messy heat cycles in females and attracting unwanted males.
• The tendency to bite. However, your pet will still be protective of his home and family even after being altered. Aggression is different from protectiveness.
• Spraying, wailing, marking territory, or making inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects.
• The extra expense for food or veterinary care in the event of an unexpected litter of puppies or kittens.