SPAY AND NEUTER TO KEEP PETS HEALTHY

by Elisabeth Haugan, Marketing and Development Director, Yavapai Humane Society
Imagine standing in the bleachers of a football stadium and looking out over a sea of mid-sized dogs (let’s pretend they’re Golden Retrievers). The mind boggles trying to visualize this number of canines together. But it isn’t even half of the number of dogs that can be produced by a single unspayed female dog and her offspring over the course of five years. (Number is based upon 7,776 dogs at a rate of one litter per-year per-dog and a six-puppy per-litter survival rate).
It is easy to say that spay/neuter efforts are important, but the gravity of the situation is undeniable.
When considering this example, little else needs to be said about the pet overpopulation crisis in our world. Shelters are overcrowded, and pets are left homeless every single day — healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized across the nation as a result.
Yavapai Humane Society urges pet owners to make a difference by having your dog or cat spayed or neutered. Not only does spaying and neutering slow down the pet overpopulation cycle, but there are a number of beneficial results for you and your fur family member!
Spaying and neutering often counteracts annoying behavior of pets, such as howling, spraying and the urge to roam. As long as they are healthy, puppies and kittens can typically be spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks old. Speak to your veterinarian for his or her recommendation on when to have your pet sterilized.
In addition, getting your pet fixed can keep your pet healthier and help prevent certain cancers. According to a USA Today report, neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than unneutered male dogs, and spayed female dogs live 23 percent longer than unspayed female dogs.
For those looking for a low-cost solution to having your pet spayed and neutered, or who may need financial assistance, Yavapai Humane Society’s Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is here to help! Prices range from just $25 (low-income assistance program) to just $105 per cat or dog. To schedule an appointment to for a spay/neuter surgery, please call 928-771-0547.
For information to commonly asked questions about spaying and neutering, visit yavapaihumane.org/clinic.