SPAY-NEUTER STATISTICS AND INFORMATION

What can I do to help reduce companion animal overpopulation? Get your animal spayed or neutered. Yes, even the males. After all, it takes two to tango.

Are there risks to spay/neuter? As with any surgery there are risks of infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, or death. These are very low.

What benefits will my pet gain? In addition to not having unwanted litters, your pet dramatically reduces its chances of getting cancer of the reproductive organs. Furthermore, in males it reduces the urge to roam and seek a female mate, and the urge to fight other males.

What about weight gain? Because your pet may be slightly less active after surgery, you are encouraged to monitor your pet's weight and cut back on food if weight gain does occur.

Will my pet lose its protective instinct? No! This is a myth.

Animal overpopulation statistics from the Humane Society of the United States
Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year:
6-8 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:
4-5 million (HSUS estimate)
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6

In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.