Why Spay & Neuter

What is the surgery?

“Spaying” is the term used for female animals and is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus.
“Neutering” is the term used for male animals and is the surgical removal of the testicles.
Fixing, sterilizing, or altering your pet are other terms for spaying or neutering.
Spaying or neutering your pet is a very safe procedure. Call us for an appointment today.

Good for your pet.

Spaying or neutering your pet can decrease the risk of diseases that are expensive to treat.
Pets that are spayed or neutered have up to an 85% lower risk of certain types of cancers and other serious health complications.
Animals that are fixed make better companions because they are not motivated to wander in search of a mate.

Good for you — eliminate annoying behavioral problems.

Altered animals are significantly less likely to mark or spray urine.
Female animals in heat can cry incessantly, act nervous and attract males from all around. Having your pet spayed eliminates the heat cycle.
Animals that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to bite, roam or get into fights.

Good for our community.

A compassionate society knows there is a better way to solve overpopulation than needlessly euthanizing unwanted animals.
Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted companion animals. Spaying and neutering helps reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals in our community.
Unintentional breeding is the root cause of most vicious dog bites and attacks.
Spaying or neutering reduces an animal’s desire to roam, resulting in fewer traffic accidents and neighborhood complaints of nuisance animals.

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Myths and Facts Regarding Spay/Neuter

Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy.: Fact: Spaying or neutering does not make pets fat or lazy. The truth is that pets get fat and lazy because they are fed too much and do not get enough exercise.
Myth: It is better to have one litter first.: Fact: Females spayed before their first heat cycle are typically healthier. Every time a female pet goes through a heat cycle she is at an increased risk for breast cancer and uterine infections.
Myth: When my pet has a litter I will find good homes for all of them.: Fact: You may find homes for all your pet’s puppies or kittens but there are already puppies and kittens being euthanized in Washington shelters every week. Further, you have no way to guarantee that those animals will not have babies of their own when they are older. Allowing your pet to breed only contributes to the problem. Be part of the solution and call the clinic today!
Myth: My male pet will feel like less of a male.: Fact: Pets do not have any concept of masculinity. Neutering your male pet will not cause him to suffer any kind of emotional identity crisis, nor will it change his basic personality. Your pet will be healthier and a better companion.
Myth: My pet is purebred; they don’t end up in animal shelters.: Fact: One in four animals that enter shelters are purebred. Regardless of whether or not they are purebred, 50% of animals that enter into shelters are euthanized due to overpopulation.
Myth: My pet is just so special and I want the puppies/kittens to be just like them.: Fact: Genetics are not an exact science and even professional breeders cannot guarantee how a litter will develop. The overpopulation problem will continue to grow on the slim chance you might get another animal that is just like the parent.
Myth: It’s good for my children to witness the miracle of birth.: Fact: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth, the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life, and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.
Myth: My dog will no longer be a protective watch dog.: Fact: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect its home and family. A dog’s temperament is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
Myth: It is unhealthy or unethical to spay or neuter when my pet is young.: Fact: Spaying and neutering is safe for young animals. The Northwest Spay & Neuter Center accepts healthy patients for surgery as young as two months old, as long as they weigh at least two pounds.
Myth: My female pet cannot be spayed if she is in heat.: Fact: The surgeons at Northwest Spay & Neuter Center are very experienced and comfortable with spaying females in heat.

Get your animal fixed, make them part of your family, give them love and affection and you will be rewarded with the unconditional love and protection of a healthy pet.

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