Your pet will be ready to be spayed or neutered between 5 and 6 months of age. There are many benefits to spaying/neutering. The first is that you can ensure that your pet will not contribute to the pet overpopulation. According to the ASPCA, there are between 5-7 million dogs and cats entering humane and rescue shelters each year. Up to half of them are euthanized.

Other benefits include:

• Reduced roaming behavior
• Reduced territorial marking
• Reduced aggression
• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
• Eliminates the risk of pyometra
• Significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors when performed before age 2.
• Eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer
• Reduces the risk of cervical cancer.

Biggest benefit: inability to breed

Myth: It is better to have at least one litter before spaying your female dog
Fact: Medical evidence shows that female dogs spayed before their first heat cycle are healthier than those that are not.

Myth: “I want my dog to be protective.”
Fact: It is in the natural instincts and genetic make-up of dogs to protect their family. It is not in their sex hormones.

Myth: They will get fat and lazy
Fact: The culprit for a pet getting fat and lazy is being fed too much and not getting enough exercise.

Myth: Too expensive
Fact: Spay/neuter cost is relatively low compared to the cost of caring for multiple puppies and kittens for 8 weeks.