Spaying and Neutering

Having your pet spayed or neutered is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Most veterinarians advise that pets should be spayed or neutered. It’s not only better for your pet, but better for the animal population in general. All dogs older than six months old are spayed or neutered before they are adopted or fostered from the Vancouver Animal Shelter.

What is spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures used to prevent pets from reproducing. Spaying refers to the removal of the uterus and ovaries from female pets. Neutering is the removal of the testicles.

Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

Animal overpopulation:

Animal overpopulation is an on-going problem in many places including Vancouver. Unplanned offspring are often the result of animals not being spayed and neutered; and unplanned animals tend to become homeless ones.

Overcrowding at shelters leads to millions of animals a year being destroyed in North America. Vancouver Animal Control is pro-adoption, and encourages all pet owners to do the responsible thing, and have their pets spayed or neutered.

Health and other benefits:

Pets that have been neutered have a greater chance of living longer, healthier lives. Spaying can help prevent uterine, ovarian and breast cancer in female dogs. Neutering a male reduces the chances of developing prostate enlargement, and testicular and prostate cancer.

Spayed and neutered animals can be less aggressive, and more affectionate and people-oriented. Spayed and neutered animals live safer lives. With no urge to mate, they're less likely to roam the streets looking for a partner and risk being lost or hit by cars.

If you have more than one pet, they tend to get along much better if they are all spayed or neutered. Owners can be saved the hassle of dealing with unwanted litters.

Costs:

The cost of spaying or neutering is easily offset by other savings. Owners with spayed or neutered dogs receive a discount on their dog licences.

Overall medical costs can be less due to reduced health risks. Owners with spayed or neutered pets can also avoid the costs of impoundment due to pets running off to find mates, or caring for or giving up unwanted litters to the shelter.

Will it hurt my pet or change its natural way of life?

Surgery is done under general anesthetic, and the pet will not feel anything. The procedures are common and low risk, and most pets recover quickly with only minimal discomfort immediately after the operation.

For more information on spaying or neutering and the fee involved, contact your veterinarian.

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