We understand that spaying or neutering your pet is a big decision. Therefore we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions below to help put your mind at ease.
What does "spay" and "neuter" mean?
The word “spay” means to sterilize female pets by removing their ovaries. The term “neuter” means to sterilize male pets by removing their testicles. These surgeries prevent pets from producing offspring.
What are the benefits of spaying and neutering?
Behavioral benefits:
Helps prevent animals from trying to escape their yards or homes to find a mate to reproduce with.
Stops house soiling and spraying, which is the marking of objects with a spray of urine.
Eliminates continuous barking or meowing.
Reduces aggression such as fighting with other pets and biting humans or other pets.
Medical benefits:
Spaying before the first heat cycle reduces the risk of uterine infections and diseases, mammary tumors and breast cancer in females.
Neutering reduces the risk of prostate cancer in older males.
Ends the bleeding from females being in heat.
Lowers aggression and protects your pet from fight-related injuries and dangerous viruses spread through bite wounds.
Extends pets’ lives by reducing the risk of the infections, diseases and cancers mentioned above.
Can my one pet make that much of a difference?
Yes! Unlike humans, dogs and cats give birth to 4-to-6 animals in one litter. Also, dogs can give birth up to twice a year and cats up to 5 times a year! Because they can produce so many offspring each year, it is important to spay/neuter your pet as soon as possible!
Spay or neuter lowers the number of animals that lose their lives roaming the streets and in shelters. It also gives pets already in shelters a better chance of finding a home.
Won’t female pets miss having puppies or kittens?
Despite popular belief, they won’t! Female pets care for their young for a only few months until weaned and then usually have nothing to do with them. Also, pregnancy can be very dangerous. Pets can experience pregnancy complications that lead to death.
Will neutering my pet take away his "manhood"?
The truth is that your pet doesn’t become less-than because he is neutered. Your male pet’s psychology and biology are quite different than those of humans. His hormones make him want to produce as many offspring as possible so his species can survive. This only adds to the pet overpopulation crisis.
How old does my pet need to be before getting spayed/neutered?
We spay or neuter between 3 to 5 months. Younger pets recover faster from the surgeries than older pets.
Is there any post-surgery care that I should be aware of?
Yes. After having your pet spayed or neutered, there are a handful of post-surgery instructions that are important to follow. This will help ensure that your pet heals quickly and safely, preventing any post-surgery complications.
Fixed animals make better companions for people. Help Stop the Killing!
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Miss Shirley’s Place (MSP), A Spay/Neuter Humane Society, is passionate about animal welfare. We are a 501(C)(3) non-profit supporting lower-income pet owners by networking with shelters and rescues to decrease the overpopulation of unwanted litters, abandoned, surrendered dogs and cats.
CALL: (770) 631-2703
EMAIL: info@missshirleysplace.org
(770) 631-2703
info@missshirleysplace.org