Spay and neuter? Why?

Your companion will live a longer, healthier life and you will experience fewer headaches if you get him or her spayed or neutered.

Spaying and neutering reduces or eliminates:

• The odds of breast cancer and dangerous uterine infections in females and prostate problems and testicular cancer in males.

• Frustration in resisting the natural urge to mate. Your companion will be less distracted, more easily trained, and a more contented member of your family.

• The animal's need to roam in search of a mate, decreasing the chances that your pet will become lost, get into fights with other animals or be hit by a car.

• Messy heat cycles in females and attracting unwanted males.

• The tendency to bite. However, your pet will still be protective of his home and family even after being altered. Aggression is different from protectiveness.

• Spraying, wailing, marking territory, or making inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects.

• The extra expense for food or veterinary care in the event of an unexpected litter of puppies or kittens.

In addition, many communities offer lower licensing fees and other benefits for spayed or neutered companion animals.