Potsdam Humane Society, Inc.

Spay/Neuter

Humane Society

Facts

 

- A female cat can start breeding as young as 4 months old

- An unspayed cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in only 7 years

- An uspayed dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in only 6 years

 

As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for them all!

 

Each year millions of animals are euthanized because there simply are not enough homes for them. Most were young, healthy and adoptable. Millions more that are abandoned and homeless die of starvation, disease, or from being hit by cars.

 

Pet overpopulation is the #1 killer of dogs and cats in the United States

 

Why Spay?

No heat cycles

Less desire to roam so less likely to get lost, injured, or hit by a car

Less aggressive

Reduce or eliminate risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer

Fewer vet bills/lower licensing fees

Helps decrease the number of unwanted animals euthanized

 

Why Neuter?

Discourages mounting

Reduce or eliminate risk of spaying or marking

Less desire to roam so less like to get lost, injured, or hit by a car

Less aggressive

Eliminate risk of testicular or prostate cancer

Fewer vet bills/lower licensing fees

Helps decrease the number of unwanted animals euthanized

 

Myths

Myth 1:

My children should experience the miracle of birth.

Fact: Most animals deliver alone in the middle of the night. Kids can experience the birthing process by watching a video.

Myth 2:

I can find homes for all the puppies and kittens.

Fact: Even if you are able to find homes for all of them, it means that there is one less home for the millions of shelter animals waiting to get adopted.

Myth 3:

My pet will get fat and lazy.

Fact: Lack of exercise and too many calories cause animals to become overweight

Myth 4:

Females should have at least one litter.

Fact: The risk of your pet developing cancer of the reproductive organs and mammary tissue is significantly reduced if she is spayed before her first head.