Should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

It's a simple fact: spaying and neutering saves lives.

Here at HSVB&IRC, no animal is ever turned away. Animals are brought to the shelter every day. We know that the answer to controlling the pet population is certainly not euthanasia and we can’t solve the problem by adoptions alone. The answer lies in sterilization. Please, encourage your friends and neighbors to do the responsible thing and have their pets spayed or neutered. See below for more information or assistance.

Many myths exist about spaying and neutering. Let us help you understand them by sharing the following explanations:   MYTH: It's better to have one litter before spaying a female cat. FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian (or HSVB&IRC) about the appropriate time for these procedures. Remember: every litter counts! MYTH: I want my children to experience the miracle of birth. FACT: The miracle of birth is quickly overshadowed when you consider the tragedy of euthanizing animals in shelters all across the country. Teach children that all life is precious by spaying and neutering your pets. MYTH: But my pet is a purebred. FACT:  So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats - mixed breed and purebred. About half of all animals entering shelters across America are euthanized. MYTH: I want my dog to be protective. FACT: It is a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones. MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male. FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered. MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy. FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise. MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her. FACT: Your pet's puppies or kittens have an unlikely chance of being a carbon copy of your pet. Even professional breeders cannot make this guarantee. There are shelter pets waiting for homes who are just as cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own MYTH: It's expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered. FACT: Many low-cost options exist for spay/neuter services. In Indian River County, our Humane Society subsidizes spay/neuter procedures for pet families that can demonstrate a financial need. Depending on your situation, we might help you lower the costs or arrange for easy monthly payments. MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens. FACT: You may find homes for your pet's puppies and kittens. But you can only control what decisions you make with your own pet, not the decisions other people make with theirs. Your pet’s puppies and kittens, or their puppies or kittens, could end up in an animal shelter, as one of the many homeless pets in every community competing for a home. Will they be one of the lucky ones? At HSVB&IRC, we are committed to "spreading the word" about the importance of spaying and neutering. For this reason, we have launched a media campaign to encourage everyone to have their pets spayed or neutered. Here's where you can see all three of the entertaining TV commercials that carry our important message...   NEW! See our 30 second spay/neuter commercials. #1: Fortune Teller Cat Spay/Neuter PSA In this :30 spot, Madame Pawlina gazes into the crystal fish bowl to advise pets about the importance of spaying and neutering. #2: Tough Dog Spay/Neuter PSA Dude Barkley, a TV doggie-star, tells all his many admirers about the benefits of his "minor procedure" and encourages them to get spayed and neutered. #3: Dog, Scotty Dog Spay/Neuter PSA Scotty, a James Bond-ish canine, speaks to us from Dr. Q's vet hospital and advises everyone about the importance of spaying and neutering. Our spay/neuter program, one of the most successful shelter programs in America, relies on the continued support of our friends and neighbors. You can help assure that this program remains viable for years to come. «Click here» to learn more about contributing to HSVB&IRC. Or, «click here» to go directly to our online donations secure site.

Understanding the Pet Population Crisis... How can we expect to care for all the dogs and cats being born?   Can' t Afford Spaying & Neutering For Your Pet? HSVB&IRC has taken steps to enlist the help of «cooperating veterinarians» (designated by the spay/neuter icon shown here) to provide low cost spay/neuter procedures for animals in households with a demonstrated financial need. We can often provide financial assistance based on your income level. If you think you might qualify for spay/neuter assistance, «click here» to download an application. Along with the application, you will be asked to prove your income by providing certain documentation. Questions? Call us at 772.388.3331 x40. We are thankful for the generous support of our many friends who underwrite this program so every pet family in Indian River County can afford to have their pets spayed or neutered.