It is no secret that there are an overwhelming amount of homeless pets looking for a forever home. You can't scroll through social media without encountering posts and stories begging someone to save a pet scheduled to be euthanized because they haven't been adopted from an animal adoption center. With so many homeless animals, it seems almost outrageous that you may come across a post advertising puppies or kittens looking for a home on that same scrolling session. In some cases, this comes from planned breeding, but more often than not, it happens by accident because the owner has not spayed or neutered their pet!

Let's take a look at the importance of spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation resulting in a crowded animal adoption center struggling to rehome pets.

What is the Difference Between 'Spay' & 'Neuter'?

You may have heard the terms spay and neuter and used them interchangeably. However, there is actually a difference. Spaying happens when you sterilize a female pet by removing its ovaries. Neutering is the male version of the sterilization process where the testicles are removed. Both of these surgeries will stop your pet from reproducing.

5 Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

One of the main reasons to spay or neuter your pet is to help control the population of homeless animals, but there are also a number of reasons that can benefit your pet's welfare as well. Let's take a look at some of the most significant benefits of giving your pet 'the snip.'

1 - Helps to Prevent Overpopulation

In 2022, an estimated 110,470 cats and dogs entered an animal adoption center in Tennessee in need of a new home. Almost 13% of them were euthanized. While some euthanizations may have been medically necessary, many are unfortunately due to behavioral issues or overcrowding at the animal adoption center. One way we can help combat overpopulation is to make sure we spay or neuter our pets. This cuts down on the number of unplanned litters and reduces the number of homeless animals roaming the streets and ending up in an animal adoption center.

2 - It Could Prolong Your Pet's Life

Many pet owners do not realize that spaying and neutering their pets can help them live longer. According to a study conducted by the University of Georgia, male dogs live for 13.8% longer than an intact male. Female dogs fared even better, with a 26.3% increase in average lifespan.

3 - Reduce The Risk of Cancer

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that spaying helps to substantially reduce the risk of female pets developing uterine infections and breast cancer. Similarly, male pets see a reduced risk of testicular cancer and prostatic hyperplasia when they are neutered.

4 - Save On The Cost of Future Veterinary Expenses

Given the number of illnesses that can affect your pet's reproductive organs, having them spayed or neutered at an appropriate age, as recommended by your veterinarian, can reduce your chances of expensive and potentially dangerous surgeries in the future. It also prevents unplanned litter, which can result in substantial veterinary costs.

5 - Unwelcome Behaviors Can Be Addressed

Many undesirable behaviors, including scent-marking, aggression, and excessive barking, can be associated with adolescence. These behaviors are often significantly reduced after your pet has been spayed or neutered. It can help minimize escape attempts which are often caused by the drive to find a mate. For female dogs, spaying will put a stop to heat cycles which can often lead to anxious behavior.

Will One Pet Really Make a Difference?

You might be wondering how spaying or neutering your one pet can make a difference to overpopulation. It may seem like one small act, but it can have a big impact. Let's consider the fact that, on average, both dogs and cats can birth between 4 and 6 offspring per litter. Cats can produce up to 5 liters yearly, while dogs can have two. That means as many as 30 additional animals to care for! Many of those will end up roaming the streets or living in an animal adoption center. In addition to this, by spaying or neutering your pet, you are acting as a role model for others in the community.

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Adopt a New Friend Today!

American Pet Rescues is working towards the goal of educating adults and children about the value of animal rescue. Through the sale of our quality plush stuffed animals, each based on a real animal rescue story, we hope to promote awareness of pet adoption while also funding the opening of an animal adoption center in the Knoxville area where we can continue educating others and also provide access to affordable veterinary care.

Visit www.americanpetrescues.org or call 865-800-3697 for more information.