Why is Spaying/Neutering you pet so important?

There is a health care option that has proven cost-effective for years.  Have your pet spayed or neutered.  It is a wise investment in your pet's health.  You pay for this surgery only once, and it is available at low cost.   When you have your pet altered, you treat them to a healthier, more comfortable life.  As a result, you may save on veterinary costs as your pet grows older.

The facts...

You may wonder what the spay/neuter procedure involves and how it will affect your pet.  When you know the facts, it is easy to see why spaying female pets and neutering male pets is a good idea.

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that prevent your pet from having puppies or kittens.  The surgery is irreversible, safe and painless.   Your pet is under an anaesthetic throughout the operation.  After the operation, your cat or dog will stay overnight so that the veterinarian can see that your pet starts a strong recovery.

Age and health also play an important role in your pet's recovery.   Your pet will come home quickly and comfortably if he or she is healthy at the time of the operation.  Physically mature pets can be spayed or neutered at almost any age, but younger pets heal more quickly.  In fact, the best time to alter your pet is between six and eight months of age.  Your veterinarian can help you decide when your pet is ready for surgery.

A common concern of some pet owners is that pets should be allowed to experience parenthood at least once.  However, there is no evidence showing that house pets crave a "family of their own."  If you do choose to allow your pet to have a litter, consider whether you are prepared to pay the added expense of keeping the puppies or kittens.  Spaying your pet before she has a litter saves you the trouble of finding homes for the litter mates and prevents many health problems for your pet.

Remember your last trip to your local animal shelter?  You probably recall how crowded the cages were.  Did every one of those animals find a home to call his own?

High Quality Care at a Low Cost

The Monmouth County SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic provides low cost spaying and neutering for your pets.  We can offer this high quality care for your pet because our staff specializes in spay/neuter surgery.

Since 1989 our licensed veterinarians have preformed spay/neuter surgery.  In 1996, we opened a brand new facility, with two fully equipped operating rooms.  Your pet receives a thorough examination to ensure that he/she is ready for surgery.  If any aspects of your pet's health would increase surgical risks, you will be consulted.  After your pet awakens from surgery, he will spend time recovering while sleeping under a warm blanket.

Consider the Benefits...

Having your pet spayed or neutered is good for your pet, for you, and your community:

-You fight the animal overpopulation problem.  Did you know that one stray cat can give birth to as many as 12 kittens in one year?  Multiply that figure by just 10 strays in your community, and you will quickly see the problem increases.

-You give your pet a longer and healthier life.  Most altered animals avoid contracting breast or prostate cancer and serious infections to the reproductive system.   They are happier too, because spaying and neutering reduce the stress related to heat periods twice a year.

-If you own an unaltered pet, he is likely to receive injuries from fights or accidents that can occur when he searches for a mate.  And you are likely to receive complaints from the neighbors if your unaltered pet prowls through their yards, attacks their pets or bites their children.

-You can save money.  When you have your pet spayed or neutered, you are spared the emotional costs and the veterinary fees resulting from unwanted behaviors, such as fighting, spraying and roaming.  You can save on tax dollars too.  Your taxes and pet license fees are used to pay for animal control to rescue, shelter and feed stray animals.  Spaying and neutering pets can reduce the number of unwanted pets in your community and can lower animal control expenses.  And many towns offer reduced fees for pets who are altered.