 Many myths exist about spaying and neutering. Let us help you understand them
by sharing the following explanations:
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MYTH: It's better to have one litter before spaying a female cat.
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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!
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MYTH: I want my children to experience the miracle of birth.
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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.
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MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.
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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.
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MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.
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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.
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MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.
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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.
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MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
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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.
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MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like
her.
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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
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MYTH: It's expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
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FACT: Many low-cost options exist for spay/neuter services. In Indian River
County, our Humane Society subsidizes spay/neuter procedures so costs range from
$45 - $100. And, for pet families that can demonstrate a financial need, easy
monthly payments are available or, in some cases, these fees can often be waived.
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MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
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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?
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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...
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NEW!
See our 30 second spay/neuter commercials.
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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.
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HSVB&IRC Makes Spaying & Neutering
Affordable ...
Even FREE!
When you obtain a voucher from HSVB&IRC, «cooperating veterinarians»
(designated by the
 spay/neuter
icon shown here) will accept our voucher as payment for the
surgical portion of a spay/neuter procedure for your animal.
Here is our current costs for surgery vouchers:
Cats:
Male $45.00
Female $55.00
Dogs (Males):
0-25 lbs $55.00
26-41 lbs $65.00
42-56 lbs $75.00
57-70 lbs $80.00
71-85+ lbs $90.00
Dogs (Female):
0-25 lbs $65.00
26-41 lbs $75.00
42-56 lbs $85.00
57-70 lbs $90.00
71-85+ lbs $100.00
Rabbits:
Male $45.00
Female $55.00
To obtain a voucher, call 772.388.3331 x10 or visit us at 6230 77th Street in Vero Beach.
If the reduced prices we offer still don't fit within your budget, we
can often provide financial assistance based on your income level - including both
vouchers and convenient monthly payment arrangements. If you think you
might qualify, «click here»
to download an application
Along with the application, you will be asked to prove your income by
providing a copy of last year's tax return.
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.
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