Richardson Rescue Recommends that you:

SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET

 

Text Box: Helpful Links If you would like to add information about a low-cost spay/neuter program operating in your county go to:  spaysc.org Spay USA: Nationwide network of over 900 affordable sterilization programs: http://www.spayusa.org   Humane Society of the United States: "Myths and Facts about Spaying and Neutering": http://www.hsus.org/ace/11823   Pets 911's Spay and Neuter Page, which includes referrals to local low-cost spay and neuter programs nationwide: http://www.pets911.com/services/spayneuter/   Prevent A Little Coalition: Spay and Neuter campaign with lots of research and spay/neuter resources: http://www.palc.org/   Love That Cat: Information on low-cost and free spay and neuter services for cats, listed by state: http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html   The Dog Hause: Six Common Excuses for Not Spaying or Neutering Pets: http://www.doghause.com/neuter04.html   Feline Rescue: List of low and no-cost spay and neuter programs in the United States and Canada. For dogs, too! http://www.felinerescue.net/speuter/resources.htm   Happy Pets: Another great list of low-cost and free spay and neuter programs in the United States. http://happypets.addr.com/lost_cost_or_free_spay.htm   A great personal essay about one pet owner's decision to neuter: http://personal.cfw.com/~dtratnac/neuter.htm   The Winn Feline Foundation's Report on Early Spay and Neuter in the Cat: http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/reports/early-neuter.html   The Pet Center: Great source of information about the actual spay and neutering procedure (Warning: includes graphic surgical photos): http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/ Spayandneuter.htm   The Dog Owner's Guide: "Spay or Neuter Surgery: A Prescription for Better Canine Health" http://www.canismajor.com/dog/spayneut.html    How to Love Your Dog: "Too Many Dogs", a great page that teaches children about spaying and neutering: http://www.kidsanddogs.bravepages.com/toomanydgs.html   NetPets article "A List of Some of the Less Than Exciting Behaviors Associated with Unneutered Male Dogs": http://www.netpets.org/dogs/reference/ info/behave.html    Friends of Animals: Order a spay or neuter certificate online!: http://www.friendsofanimals.org/ spaying/cover.html    How can one unspayed cat turn into over eleven million cats? Click here to find out: http://catnet.stanford.edu/articles/ cat_overpopulation.pdf   back to top                    Text Box: Spay And Neuter Why spaying and neutering is so important... What do "spay" and "neuter" really mean? Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a day. Spaying or Neutering Is Good for Your Pet Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat. Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostrate disease. Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions. Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory. Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals. Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite. Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights. Spaying and Neutering Are Good for the Community Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals. Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals. Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs. Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife. Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.