Guide Note

To surgically remove the reproductive organs from a female animal is called spaying. The surgery is known as ovario-hysterectomy and both the uterus and ovaries are removed, which leaves the animal unable to reproduce. The Humane Society encourages this practice as a means of controlling the over population of animals. More than ten million cats and dogs, without homes, are euthanized each year.

Fast Facts

1. Cost is less than having a litter
2. Millions of dollars are spent each year to capture stray animals
3. 75% of dogs have been spayed or neutered
4. Some owners consider spaying or neutering to be cruel
5. Many men have difficulty reconciling the neutering of their male pets
6. Considered to be a major surgery
7. AKA: "Fixing"

1. Aggression and roaming tendencies are reduced
2. Many pets become warm-hearted and devoted
3. Often stop "marking their territory" by urination
4. May reduce the cost of the pet license
5. Elimination of heat heat cycles
6. Not having a litter, will prevent the possible death of your pet
7. Will reduce the number of unwanted animals
8. Females spayed before their first heat have better health

1. Possible adverse reactions to anesthesia and suture material
2. The hormones that control the growth of muscles, bones, and tendons, are disturbed
3. Thyroid disease is more pronounced following neutering
4. Higher incidence of some cancers, joint problems and bad reactions to vaccinations