• Prevents pregnancy and the complications arising from pregnancy and delivery.
•  liminates the heat cycle - you won't have to listen to the sounds of your female in heat, trying to get out and find a mate.
• Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.
• Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system.
  Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.
• In cats, neutering stops or reduces marking behavior (territorial spraying of urine).

Is the operation painful?

Anastetics are used to minimize discomfort.

When should my pet have the operation?

 Generally speaking, as early as possible. Pets don't understand the concept of "planned parenthood" and as soon as your pet becomes sexually mature, he/she is capable of producing a potentially unwanted litter. Although traditionally veterinarians have recommended spaying/neutering around 6 months of age, prepubertal (8 to 12 weeks of age) spaying/neutering has gained increasing support among veterinarians. Most veterinarians recommend that females be spayed before their first estrus or "heat" period to maximize the procedure's cancer-sparing benefits. Because all pets are individuals, talk to your veterinarian about the best time to neuter your particular pet.Spaying or neutering is performed under general anesthesia and, therefore, your pet does not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery there may be some discomfort, but this is part of the normal healing process, does not last long, and can be controlled with medication. 

Will it change my pet's intelligence or disposition?

Only for the better. Spaying and neutering have no effect on intelligence. Most spayed and neutered pets tend to be gentler and more affectionate. They become less interested in other animals and spend more time interacting with their owners.

Will spaying or neutering make my pet fat?

Removing the ovaries or testicles does affect metabolism. For this reason, spayed or neutered pets will tend to put on weight more easily if permitted to overeat. The important phrase here is "if permitted to overeat." The diet of every cat and dog should be carefully regulated to prevent him/her from becoming overweight.

Should my female dog be allowed to have one litter?

There's no reason for a female dog to have even one litter. It won't make her a better companion, and it will increase the likelihood that she will develop mammary cancer. Spaying a dog before she goes into heat even once greatly reduces the risk of her developing mammary cancer.

Don't spaying and neutering interfere with nature?

Domesticated dogs and cats are completely dependent on humans. It's our responsibility as their guardians to make sure the number of companion animals born doesn't exceed the number of available homes.

If I find homes for my pets' litters then I won't contribute to the problem, right?

Wrong. Only a certain number of people want pets. So every home you find for your pet's offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter.

I want my children to see the miracle of birth.

Children may learn about the birthing process in far simpler and less costly ways. Plenty of books, videotapes, CDs, and DVDs are available that portray the miracle of birth in a wide range of animals, providing a far greater appreciation of the process than can be gained through watching a single dog or cat deliver a single litter. Maybe even try a visit to a farm or a zoo if you're interested in seeing a live deliver.