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We currently have eleven veterinary clinics and
hospitals supporting our program by performing the spay/neuter surgeries
at a reduced cost. This enables our funds to go farther allowing
us to serve more people and their pets!
What is spaying and neutering? Spaying is
the surgical process whereby a female animal (cat, dog or rabbit)
is altered so that they cannot bear offspring. Neutering is this
same process except done in male animals (cats, dogs or rabbits)
to prevent them from impregnating a female.
When should I spay or neuter my animal? Many
veterinarians suggest that you spay or neuter your pet after it
has reached 12 weeks of age. In females, it is important to spay
your cat or dog before it goes into its first heat cycle (which
can occur as early as 4 months in some animals). So as a rule of
thumb, you should spay or neuter your pet between three and four
months of age (12 to 18 weeks).
Won't spaying or neutering my animal change its
personality? No. The only behavior changes you'll see are positive
ones. Spayed or neutered animals make better companions and are
more affectionate. Males are less likely to roam or get in fights,
and they tend to stop spraying if neutered young.
Why shouldn't my cat or dog to have just one
litter? Motherhood will not make your pet healthier or happier.
In fact, early spaying greatly reduces health problems. Your pet
can be spayed if she is in heat or pregnant, but it is best to spay
early (12 to 16 weeks).
But what if I plan to find homes for the kittens
or puppies? Finding good homes for kittens and puppies is not
easy. Many animals are discarded once they start to grow. Many will
produce surplus babies of their own. The pet overpopulation crisis
is perpetuated one litter at a time.
Won't my pet become fat and lazy? Lack of
exercise and overfeeding of an animal causes obesity. Make time
for walks and play, and ask your veterinarian about reducing calories,
if necessary.
I want my children to see the miracle of birth.
Are you willing to explain to your children the tragedy of death
caused by allowing yet another surplus litter to be born? What's
more, most animals go off by themselves to give birth. You are likely
to find out about the "miracle of birth" after it has already happened.
Your local library can be a great resource for videos to help teach
your children about the wonders of nature.
Won't my dog lose its protective instinct? No.
Spaying and neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to
protect home and family.
Why should I neuter my male, he's not the one
having litters? Male pets can father many offspring. This makes
your pet equally responsible for pet overpopulation. Neutering your
male will make him less likely to roam to look for a mate.
I don't want my male pet to feel deprived or
less masculine. Don't confuse human sexuality with a dog or
cat's hormonal instincts. Neutering won't cause any negative emotional
reaction or identity crisis and you'll help prevent prostate and
testicular diseases in your pet.
It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
There are many veterinarians who offer low-cost spay and neuter
services. The surgery is a one-time cost and is a small price to
pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more homeless
animals.
Even with low-cost veterinary services some people
still cannot afford to spay or neuter their pets. That's where our
Spay/Neuter Assistance Program can help…
If you are in need of spay/neuter
assistance for your cat or dog, please call our shelter at:
(916) 782-SPCA (7722) ext. 201
Still not sure you need to spay or neuter your
animals? Here is something to consider:
Animal shelters across the nation are forced
to kill an estimated 15 million dogs and cats every
year, most of which are young and healthy.
Do you really want to see your tax dollars spent
this way? As a non-profit animal welfare organization, we work hard
to help rescue some of the animals from local shelters that may
be destined for euthanasia and give them a second chance...
But we need you to do
your part: spay or neuter your pets.
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