Spay and Neuter Information
Why should you spay and neuter your pets?
*Facts provided by the Humane Society of the United States*
Your pets live longer.
"Another study, conducted by Banfield Pet Hospitals on a database of 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats reflected similar findings, concluding that neutered male dogs lived 18% longer and spayed female dogs lived 23% longer. Spayed female cats in the study lived 39% longer and neutered male cats lived 62% longer."
It can stop unwanted behaviors.
"[T]he urge to spray is extremely strong in those not altered, so the simplest solution is to alter by 5 months old before the problem arises. Neutering solves 90% of all marking issues, even in cats who have been doing it for a while. It can also minimize howling, the urge to roam and fighting with other males."
It can save you money.
"Caring for a pet with reproductive system cancer or pyometra can easily run thousands of dollars—five to 10 times as much as a routine spay or neuter surgery. In cases where intact dogs and cats may fight, treatment of their related injuries can also result in high veterinary costs."
Don't forget the costs of difficulties during the birthing process!
Why should you spay the FIRST stray animal that appears?
Rescues and shelters hear the same comments more often than we could possibly count.
"Why would I fix it, it's not my animal?"
"I'm just feeding them because I don't want them to starve, but I shouldn't have to fix them."
"I can't afford to fix them."
"I don't have time to get them to the vet."
And many more. The truth is that rescues and shelters all over the country are overwhelmed with requests to help stray and abandoned animals. They will not always be able to help you with a stray animal immediately. And if you choose to ignore the problem, it will only grow. The 1 stray animal can quickly become 5, and soon after that 15. The rule of thumb is this: if you choose to feed an animal, you are responsible for fixing the animal. Feeding strays without having them fixed will contribute to the stray problem and will almost always make it much harder on you in the long run.
These are the hard facts to take into account when a stray appears on your doorstep.
1 cat can turn into 18 cats in 1 year.
"On average, a feral cat can have anywhere from 1 to 3 litters per year, with each litter consisting of 4 to 6 kittens. This means that a single female feral cat can potentially give birth to up to 18 kittens in a year."
-VetExplainsPets
Kittens and puppies can make more kittens and puppies.
"Kittens can get pregnant as early as 4 months, although the average is 6 months. Puppies can get pregnant as early as 6 months." They can make babies, even when they're still babies, so don't wait to get them fixed!
-VetExplainsPets
Each litter adds to the millions killed each year.
"Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.4 million are cats. Each year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized (1.4 million cats)."
-ASPCA
Where can you get pets spayed or neutered at low cost?
SNIPS
Location: Vancleave, MS.
40$ for feral/outdoor cats.
50$ for indoor pet cats.
60$ - 100$ for dogs, depending on size.
Southern Pines Clinic
https://www.sopineshealthypets.org/
Location: Hattiesburg, MS.
55$ for feral/outdoor cats.
65$ for indoor pet cats.
110$ for dogs.
*Southern Pines Healthy Pet Clinic regularly runs spay/neuter specials for cats and male dogs at only 25$. Check their Facebook for current specials.*
HSSM
Location: Gulfport, MS.
45$ for feral/outdoor cats.
55$ - 65$ for indoor pet cats.
80$ - 160$ for dogs, depending on size.
Many rescues and shelters will be happy to help you with spay and neuter resources. If you have a stray that wanders up, and you want to help it, contact your local animal shelter or rescue to learn more about the best options for spay/neuter near you. Some rescues may even offer to cover the cost of the surgery if they are financially able to.
Be proactive! Help stop the endless cycle of stray and abandoned animals in its tracks by choosing spay and neuter!