Spay or Neuter

Stop the Problem at the Source

Adopting pets only treats the symptom of over population. You can directly help reduce the tens of thousands of animals that are euthanized each year here in Maricopa County by simply spaying and neutering your own animals and encouraging others to do the same.

As a result of too many animals being bred, we are faced with the overwhelming problem of trying to find homes for them. The sad truth is not enough homes are choosing the option of adoption. Millions of animals are being euthanized every year. And when you buy from a breeder or a pet store, you are contributing to the problem simply because the profit from your purchase causes intentional breeding. However, when you adopt from a rescue shelter, you are directly saving a life.

Approximately 25% or more of the dogs that end up in shelters are purebred dogs - so if you are looking for a purebred, all you have to do is look a little harder for a rescue.

Quick statistic: Did you know that 1 cat and her offspring can produce approximately 400,000 cats in 7 years? Or that 1 dog and her offspring can produce around 70,000 dogs a year?

Benefits of Spaying (females):

• No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted
• Less desire to roam
• Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle
• Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies
• Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives

Benefits of Neutering (males):

• Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking
• Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents
• Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease
• Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies
• Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites
• Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives