Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs and male dogs neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarians office for a few hours or days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.

Is spaying and neutering good for my pet?

• Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.

• Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.

• Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.

• Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decrease the chance for prostrate disease.

Is spaying and neutering good for you?

• Spaying and neutering makes better, more affectionate companions.

• Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.

• Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year in dogs, and six to seven days, three or more times a year in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and temperament problems than those who have not been spayed and neutered.

• Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.

• Neutering makes the pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.

Is spaying and neutering good for the community?

• Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.

• Irresponsible breeding leads to dog bites and attacks.

• Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus of animals.

• Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.

• Some stray animals scare away or kill birds and wildlife.

HSUS Pet Overpopulation Estimates

Number of Cats and Dogs entering the shelter each year:

6-8 Million (HSUS ESTIMATE)

Number of Cats and Dogs euthanized by shelters each year:

3-4 Million (HSUS ESTIMATE)

Number of Cats and Dogs adopted from the shelter each year:

3-4 Million (HSUS ESTIMATE)

Number of Cats and Dogs reclaimed by owners at the shelter each year:

Between 600,00 and 750,000 - 30% Dogs 2-5% Cats (HSUS ESTIMATE)

Number of animal shelters in the United States

4-6,000 (HSUS ESTIMATE)