By Brooke Routh
Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer
SMYRNA-- Every year millions of animals without homes are euthanized due to overpopulation. Overpopulation is one of the more popular reasons people tell you to spay/neuter, and they have a point.
According to the Humane Society, “About 2.4 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs--- about one every 13 seconds--- are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.” To learn more about overpopulation visit http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopul
Health benefits:
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| My cat, Malachite. |
Health benefits:
Overpopulation is not the only reason you should consider altering your pet. On average, pets that have been altered live longer than pets who are not. Pets who remain intact also have a higher chance of developing deadly diseases. Spaying can decrease the likelihood that your pet will have uterine infections or develop breast tumors.
Most reputable veterinarians will suggest that you schedule the procedure prior to your female pet’s first heat cycle in order to dramatically decrease their chances of developing any of these diseases and to decrease the likelihood that they will develop behavioral issues throughout their life.
When it comes to male pets, neutering them at a young age can prevent them from developing unwanted aggressive attitudes and can decrease their likelihood of developing testicular cancer or other prostate issues. Unaltered male pets sometimes roam away from home in order to find a mate which can cost them their life. Some of these unaltered pets who get loose in order to mate will get hit by our vehicles, end up at the shelter, or ultimately die from starvation.
Behavioral Benefits:
Male pets especially benefit behavioral wise from neutering. Unaltered male pets have higher levels of testosterone in their bodies. High levels of testosterone in male animals can cause urine marking, disobedience, territorial aggression, and even aggression towards other animals- specifically other male animals.
Female pets have behavioral issues that can be corrected with altering as well! Female pets that are not spayed are prone to display aggressive attitudes, and they are more likely than altered females to have rapid mood swings.
Cost Effective
On average, spaying and neutering can cost anywhere from $50 to $250. There are some programs in the area that cost more than $300, but for most people those kind of options are really unrealistic. There are a couple of programs in Rutherford County that are free or very low cost.
Programs in Our Area:
P.A.W.S in Murfreesboro offers the procedure at no cost, but this program is first-come first-serve. If you are lucky enough to get on their long wait list, it can take several weeks before they have an opening! Click the link down below for more information on their free spay/neuter program.
Beesley Animal Clinic is another good option for those who are on a budget. In order to be considered for their program, your pet has to be up to date on all vaccines, which they can provide at an additional cost. The procedure is more expensive for female pets, and the price increases for larger pets. To learn more visit http://www.beesleyanimalclinic.com/services
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| This is my rescue puppy, Violet. |
My Experience:
Premier VetCare is another great program in our area. I actually scheduled my puppy’s spay surgery through Premier, and I was really impressed with their hospitality and with how quickly my puppy healed. On average, their base price for the surgery is $70. Of course this initial price increases quite a bit when you add on other services such as a wellness check, blood work, and microchipping. I decided to pay the extra money to insure my pet was getting the best option available but still within a reasonable price. In the end, I paid $200. I think that price is reasonable considering everything that was included.
My puppy received a wellness checkup to insure she was healthy enough for surgery. They did full blood-work on her just to make sure she did not have any life-threatening diseases or ailments, and she was microchipped. She healed up very nicely, so I definitely recommend Premier Vetcare. For more details, visit
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