IS SPAYING AND NEUTERING PAINFUL FOR MY PET?

Veterinarians perform spay and neuter surgeries under a general anesthetic. Animals usually return to normal activity within 24 to 72 hours. Any discomfort experienced is minimal and well outweighs the suffering and death caused by uncurbed breeding. Altering animals also eliminates the risk of certain diseases, such as mammary and testicular cancer. And, keep in mind, that unaltered male animals are more likely to be killed by cars as a result of straying from home.

SHOULD MY PET BE AT LEAST SIX MONTHS OLD BEFORE HE CAN BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED?

Although animals have traditionally been altered at six months, veterinarians are now practicing early spay/neuter surgery, which can be performed on animals as young as eight weeks. Doctors practicing the technique report that the surgery is significantly easier and quicker to perform. Furthermore, guardians of animals altered younger report fewer medical problems than those of conventionally altered animals. Finally, the spay/neuter procedure, prior to adopting out animals for shelters, is the best way to ensure that unwanted births do not occur.

WILL MY ANIMAL BE LESS PROTECTIVE AFTER STERILIZATION AND SHOW OTHER NEGATIVE BEHAVIORAL CHANGES?

Any changes brought about by neutering are generally positive. Neutered male cats usually stop territorial spraying. Neutered dogs and cats fight less and are less likely to become lost due to straying from home in search of a mate. Spayed animals do not go into heat or need to be confined indoors to avoid pregnancy. All altered animals remain protective and loyal to their guardians.

MALE ANIMALS DO NOT GIVE BIRTH. WHY SHOULD I NEUTER THEM?

The old saying "it takes two to tango" is as true for animals as it is for humans. And while a female dog or cat can only have one litter at a time, male animals can impregnate many females each day.

IS SPAYING AND NEUTERING EXPENSIVE?

While prices vary considerably, Pet Assistance can refer you to veterinarians who offer low-cost spay/neuter services. And while the cost of surgery may seem high initially, it's a real bargain when compared with the cost of raising a litter of puppies or kittens. Spaying and neutering also saves taxpayer dollars. On average, it costs approximately $100 to capture, house, feed and eventually kill a homeless animal - a cost that ultimately comes out of all our pockets.

COMPANION ANIMAL OVERPOPULATION: THE FIGURES

• For every human born, 7 puppies and kittens are born. (The Humane Society of the United States)
• One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years. (The Humane Society of the United States)
• One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years. (SPAY/USA)
• An estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year. Millions more are abandoned, only to suffer from illness or injury before dying.