Not surprisingly, animal shelters across the country are seeing an increase in the number of surrendered animals due to the ongoing economic crisis. At the same time they are seeing a decrease in the number of adoptions. Add to this growing number of unwanted dogs and cats, an over abundance of puppies and kittens that are being born.

Immediate action needs to be taken today or more of these healthy, adoptable and loving animals will continue to be euthanized.

There is a simple solution to reduce the needless killing of animals - Spay and Neuter your pet.

While many people understand the importance of having companion animals altered, there are still too many others that hesitate to have this done, which contributes further to the problem. For this reason, SPCA International works continually to educate people with the facts, our goal being that you will better understand the vital timely importance to spay or neuter animals.

We are asking for your help, as this simple procedure will save millions of lives!

Myth: Only female cats and dogs need to be spayed.
Fact: Not true, an unneutered male, allowed to roam freely, can produce thousands of offspring in its lifetime.

Myth: Cats and dogs will be healthier if they have at least one litter before being spayed.
Fact: Not true, having an animal spayed or neutered increases its chance for longer life. Dogs that have been altered live on average of 1 to 3 years longer – cats, 3 to 5 years longer.
Altering a dog or cat also greatly reduces the chances of them getting certain types of cancer.

Myth: Having a cat or dog altered, will change its personality.
Fact: Not true, if a cat or dog experiences any personality changes, they will be positive ones. Male cats and dogs tend to become less territorial and more content to stay home. Statistics show that 8% of dogs hit by cars are unneutered. Unneutered male cats have a habit of spraying and marking their territory with urine. Once altered this urge decreases.

Myth: Spaying and neutering is expensive.
Fact: Not necessarily true, the cost to spay or neuter is determined by a number of things. For example, spays are more costly to perform than neuters, the more an animal weighs the more it costs and if a dog or cat is already pregnant the fees will be higher. However, there are local programs all across the country that provide low cost spay and neuter and financial assistance. If you have an animal that needs to be altered and you need financial assistance, call your local shelter. They may be able to give you information on low cost options in your area.   The big picture cost of not spaying or neutering your animal will be astronomical.

For financial assistance to spay or neuter your pet, we suggest utilizing one of these websites:

• http://www.petfinder.org
  
• http://saveourstrays.com/low-costsn.htm
  
• http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html - For Cats Only