MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.
MYTH: It's better to have one litter first.
FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.
MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.
FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth—which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion—the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.
MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.
FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed and purebred.
MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.
FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.
FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.
FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.
MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost—a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.
MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.
Cooper shows off the results of his neuter surgery ... He says "come on fellas.....it doesn't hurt a bit!"
DID YOU KNOW.......
In June of 2006 the State of Rhode Island became the first state in the country to require that all cats over the age of 6 months be spayed or neutered unless their owner has purchased a breeding permit for them? This legislation was passed in an effort to reduce the numbers of cats killed in Rhode Island each year because there are not enough homes.
Cost should never be a barrier to having your cat spayed/neutered! Here are some low-cost options in our area:
Rhode Island Community Spay/Neuter Clinic:
www.ricsnc.org - open to all - very low cost options available!
Pet Partners:
www.petpartnersne.org
(508) 672-4813 Fall River, MA
Cats, dogs, rabbits. Services open to everyone. Visit website or call for information. Pricing varies.
Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA) SNAP program:
www.rivma.org
(877) 521-0103, Providence, RI
Cats and dogs. Owner must complete application and qualify as low income. Print application from website listed or call for information. Pricing varies.
Salmon River Veterinary Service, LLC:
(401) 793-0092, Location varies
Cats only. Services open to everyone. Mobil clinic; call for times and locations. $75 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and exam.
Sylvan Animal Clinic:
www.faxonarl.org/clinic.htm
(508) 679-6122 Fall River, MA
Cats, dogs, rabbits. Services open to everyone. Visit website or call for information. Pricing varies.
Volunteer Services for Animals (VSA):
(401) 272-1639,
Cats and dogs. Owner must qualify as low income. Call for information. Pricing varies
Providence Animal Rescue Leauge
(401) 421-1399 x204
http://www.parl.temp.ntwebb.com/spay_neuter.htm
Dogs and Cats - open to everyone.
Barrington residents in need of additional assistance with spay/neuter please contact us at info@barringtonpaw.org
Copyright 2011 Barrington Partnership for Animal Welfare. All rights reserved.