Why should I sterilize my pet?

• A longer, healthier life for your pet: Older female dogs and cats are quite susceptible to reproductive tract infections and disorders, which simply do not occur in spayed females. An unsterilized female dog or cat has a 14 times greater chance of developing mammary cancer than she would have, had she been spayed.

• No heat periods: A female in heat must be closely watched for her entire heat period. In dogs, this is approximately 21 days, every six months. In cats, it is highly variable and virtually unpredictable. Males of the species tend to congregate around the doors of houses where females in heat reside. Fights can break out among them, and this can disturb your neighbours.

• No litters: Taking care of a litter of puppies or kittens is a large responsibility and is both costly and time-consuming.

• A more manageable pet: A neutered male dog or cat is considerably less aggressive than an unsterilized male and therefore, less subject to injury.

• No "spraying" tom cats: Since the territorial instinct is reduced in neutered males, they no longer want to mark out an area as their own.

• A better urban environment: Eliminating the surplus of stray and unwanted animals will lead naturally to fewer animal-related problems.

What does sterilization involve?

Surgical sterilization is a safe, short and simple operation. Dogs and cats are resilient patients; they are back on their feet within a day of surgery.

• A spay operation involves surgical removal of the female reproductive tract. It is important to realize that in "seasonal" animals, such as dogs and cats, these organs become active only when the animal is in heat, so spaying does not result in a major hormonal problem. A spayed female dog or cat is just as she is when not in heat, only permanently so.

• Neutering a male pet involves surgical removal of the testes. As with spayed females, neutering has little effect on hormonal balance. The one exception is testosterone, a hormone responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics such as roaming and zealous territoriality. Reducing these characteristics by neutering animals makes them more manageable and easier to live with.

The best age to spay a female dog or cat is between five and six months. Males should be neutered between the ages of six and nine months. Adult animals can be sterilized without problems. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best time for your pet.

Myths & Misconceptions

• "Spaying will make her fat and lazy": Not true . A pet's owner controls the animal's food intake and exercise program. Obesity in animals is a result of overeating, laziness, or a boring environment.

• "It's not natural": Of course it isn't natural, but neither is the situation in which domestic animals now find themselves. They are no longer " wild ". Man has encouraged their dependence to the point where humans are not responsible for their care and their control. Sterilization is the only permanent control currently available.

• "I can find homes for my pet's litters": Famous last words. Those nice friends and neighbours may become tired of your pets when they are no longer cute and cuddly. At that point, they will be given away, or brought to an animal shelter. Then it will be difficult to find homes for them, with so many puppies and kittens being available. Your litters are no different from anyone else's litters.

• "Children should witness the miracle of birth": What about the miracle of death? Because of pet overpopulation, the average life-span of those animals will be two years, instead of the normal twelve to twenty. There are not enough good homes, even for your animals.

• "It's too expensive": Caring for litters of kittens or puppies can be far more expensive than having an adult pet sterilized.