In the past 18 months, the SPCA of Diamondhead issued 215 vouchers for the purpose of spaying and neutering family pets and feral cats in our community.  If you would like a voucher, please give us a call.  Besides helping to control the pet homelessness crisis, there are also medical and behavioral benefits. 

• According to the ASPCA, your female will live a longer and healthier life because spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. 

• Neutering your male pet prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. 

• Your male dog will be less likely to roam away from the house looking for a mate. 

• A neutered male may be better behaved. Unneutered dogs and cats are more likely to mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Your dog may be less likely to mount other dogs, people and inanimate objects after he’s neutered. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering. 

Debunking Spay/Neuter myths and misconceptions 

• Spaying and neutering will not cause your pet to be overweight. Your pets will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor their food intake. 

• Neutering is not a quick fix for all behavior problems. Although neutering your pet often reduces undesirable behaviors caused by a higher level of testosterone, there’s no guarantee that your dog’s behavior will change. Neutering will not reduce behaviors that your pet has learned or that have become habitual. 

When to Spay or Neuter your Pet 

• For dogs:  While the traditional age for neutering is six to nine months, puppies as young as eight weeks old can be neutered, as long as they’re healthy. Dogs can be neutered as adults although there’s a slightly higher risk of post-operative complications. 

• For cats:  It is generally considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old to be spayed or neutered. 

We hope this information helps you make the decision to spay or neuter your pets.