Spay & Neuter

 Every year thousands of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized because there are not enough homes. Neutering your pet will help stop pet overpopulation. Contact your local veterinarian today and inquire about having your pet neutered. It's the responsible thing to do.

 WHAT DO SPAY AND NEUTER MEAN? 

Spaying is a general term used to describe the ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. Neutering is a general term used to describe the castration of a male animal. However, neutering is used in reference to both genders. The surgical procedure, performed by a veterinarian, renders the animal incapable of reproducing.  

JUST BY THE NUMBERS -according to the American Humane Association

• By age five, a female dog and her female offspring can produce 192 puppies (assuming two females per litter and two litters per year). And this doesn't include all of the offspring produced by her male puppies.
• Just allow two cats and their surviving offspring to breed for 10 years. In that time, you'll produce 80,399,780 cats (this assumes two litters per year and 2.8 surviving kittens per litter).
1. First year: 12
2. Second year: 66
3. Third year: 382
4. Fourth year: 2,201
5. Fifth year: 12,680
6. Sixth year: 73,041
7. Seventh year: 420,715
8. Eighth year: 2,423,316
9. Ninth year: 13,968,290
10. Tenth year: 80,399,780

Humans simply do not produce at these outrageous rates, nor does every human born want a puppy or kitten. This adds up to a great deal of unwanted puppies and kittens in our community. 

THE FACTS DISPELL THE MYTHS - compliments of the HSUS

• MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
  FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.
  
  
• MYTH: It's better to have one litter first.
  FACT: Medical evidence indicates that females spayed before their first heat cycle typically lead healthier lives. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.
  
  
• MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.
  FACT: Even if children are able to observe a pet giving birth, which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion, the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, teach your children of the importance of  preventing the birth of some pets which in turn can save the lives of others.
  
  
• MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.
  FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought into our animal shelter. There are just too many dogs and cats-mixed breed and purebred.
  
  
• MYTH: I want my dog to be protective and not feel like less of a male or female.
  FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.  Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
  
  
• MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.
  FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.  Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer.
  
  
• MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
  FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost. It's a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary expenses and food costs. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.
  
  
• MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
  FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time

Animal Care & Control
105 S. Olive St.
South Bend, Indiana 46619
574.235.9303