There’s nothing cooler than ending pet overpopulation. But there are other reasons you should consider spay and neuter for your pets.

1. It reduces the number of homeless pets in area shelters. Oklahoma has a severe pet overpopulation problem and as a result, tens of thousands of pets are destroyed in our state each year due to lack of homes.  Altering your pet will eliminate the possibility that its offspring will be part of this harsh reality.
2. It prevents unwanted litters. Even if you don’t plan to breed your pet, accidental pregnancies happen and many accidental litters occur because owners thought their pet was too young to reproduce. Many of these animals end up at shelters where they are ultimately destroyed. Altering your pet will save you the expense and trouble of dealing with a litter of unwanted puppies or kittens, as well as prevent potential offspring from being homeless.
3. It’s required by law in Tulsa and many communities. The City of Tulsa has an ordinance which requires all dogs and cats over the age of six months to be spayed or neutered. Similar ordinances exist in an increasing number of cities and towns in our state.
4. It’s good for your pet’s health. Sterilization of your cat or dog will minimize the risks of diseases associated with reproductive organs such as testicular cancer or pyometra.
5. It makes your pet a better companion. Altering your pet decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites and desire to fight with other male dogs.  It also reduces an animal’s desire to escape from its home in search of a mate.  Sterilization also reduces or eliminates undesirable behavior such as spraying, marking and mounting.

If you haven’t spayed or neutered your pet, please consider acting now and be part of the solution to Oklahoma’s pet overpopulation problem. If you have, now is the time to share with others the reasons why they should do so.

For more information about low cost spay and neuter promotions during the month of February, click here.