Why We Spay & Neuter

Every time a human is born in America, seven dogs and cats are born. Many of them are desperate for a home.

The simple fact is...

Spaying and neutering
saves lives.

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 spaying and neutering. Join us by encouraging everyone to do the responsible thing and have their pets spayed or neutered.

GREEN BACKGROUND COLOR

Let's talk about spay/neutering.
Call our Wellness Clinic at
772.388.0801.

BLUE BACKGROUND COLOR

Can' t Afford Spaying & Neutering For Your Pet?

The Many myths about spaying and neutering

Here are the explanations you need to help confront the myths about spay/neutering:

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?