Q: What are spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering, the most common surgical procedures performed on animals, prevent animals from being able to reproduce. Females are spayed, and males are neutered (sometimes the word "neuter" is also used to refer to an animal of unknown sex, or to a group of animals of mixed or unknown sex). The clinical name for "spay" is ovariohysterectomy. When a female is spayed, her ovaries and uterus are removed. The clinical name for "neuter" is orchidectomy. When a male is neutered, his testicles are removed.

Q: Does spaying and neutering hurt?

Veterinarians provide animals with a general anesthetic, so the surgery itself is painless. Any discomfort an animal experiences afterward is minimal and part of the normal healing process. According to VetCentric.com, "most cats will heal very easily and quickly," and "most dogs show no signs of discomfort from the procedure." In fact, some animals "may attempt to resume their normal level of activity immediately after surgery." This, of course, should be monitored to ensure that the animal does not aggravate the incision. Most animals return to normal activity within 24 to 72 hours after surgery.

Q: Does spaying and neutering provide any other health benefits?

Yes. In both cats and dogs, spaying greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer and prevents various reproductive tract disorders. Neutering often resolves undesirable behaviors such as aggression, spraying, and roaming, and eliminates the risk of various testicular diseases.

Q: Doesn't spaying and neutering make animals less protective?

No. Any changes brought about by spaying or neutering are generally positive. Neutered male cats usually stop territorial spraying. Neutered dogs and cats tend to fight less and are less likely to become lost due to straying from home in search of a mate. Spayed animals do not go into heat or need to be confined indoors to avoid pregnancy. Animals do not become less protective or loyal to their guardians as a result of being altered.

Q: Is it really necessary to neuter males? Males don't give birth!

The old saying "it takes two to tango" is as true for animals as it is for humans. Even if you are very careful to keep your male pet under control at all times, accidents do happen and he may escape. In fact, he will likely try repeatedly to escape, digging up your yard, scratching up your door, or chewing off his restraint in the process. Males roaming in search of a mate are susceptible to being injured by traffic and in fights with other males. And while a female cat or dog can only have one litter at a time, male animals can impregnate many females each day.

Q: When should I spay or neuter my pet?

As early as possible! Although animals have traditionally been altered at six months, many veterinarians are now practicing pediatric (also known as early-age" or "juvenile") spay/neuter surgery, which can be performed on animals as young as six to eight weeks. Doctors practicing this technique report that the surgery is significantly easier and quicker to perform; guardians who have had pediatric spay/neuter performed on their animals report fewer medical problems than those who have older animals altered; and spaying or neutering homeless animals before adopting them out is the best way to prevent unwanted births.

Q: Isn't spaying and neutering expensive?

Although to some animal guardians the cost of surgery may seem high initially, it's a real bargain when compared with the cost of raising a litter of puppies or kittens. Spaying and neutering also saves taxpayer dollars. A recent survey of 186 shelters revealed an average cost of $176 to handle each homeless animal*—a cost that ultimately comes out of all our pockets. Most important of all, when you consider the moral expense of killing millions of healthy, innocent beings whom many of us consider "best friends," the cost of spay/neuter surgery fades to insignificance.

While prices for spay/neuter surgery vary considerably, many humane societies, welfare organizations, and municipal animal care and control departments will spay/neuter animals at a reduced fee for people who truly need them—those struggling to make ends meet on a low income, animal rescue workers such as those who trap and neuter feral cats, and Good Samaritans who are paying for someone else's animal(s). Friends of Animals, for example, distributes low cost spay/neuter vouchers through its national toll-free hotline: 1-800-321-PETS (1-800-321-7387).

The bottom line is this: when you adopt an animal, you assume responsibility for that animal's well-being. Spaying or neutering is as vital to your pet's health and happiness as routine physical examinations, good nutrition, grooming, playtime, and love. Before you adopt an animal, you need to seriously consider whether or not you are ready to take on the financial responsibility of properly caring for one. If you have already adopted an unaltered animal, it is your responsibility to have that animal spayed or neutered regardless of cost.