WAG the DOG BLOG

Pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.

This statement is not a myth. Lets take a look at the very real numbers from the annual, national Humane Society US estimates:
Cats and dogs entering shelters: 6-8 million
Cats and dogs euthanized by shelters: 3-4 million
Cats and dogs adopted from shelters: 3-4 million
Cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters:Between 600,000 and 750,000—30 percent of dogs and 2-5 percent of cats entering shelters
Number of animal shelters in US: Between 4,000 and 6,000
% purebred dogs in shelters: 25 percent
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3 (12-18+ kittens)
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6
Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2 (8-18+ puppies)
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10

I know some pet owners find this is a touchy subject, and certainly you terrarium owners may not relate, but I am going to go ahead and say it.

Neutering. Spaying. Yeah that’s right, the ol’choppy-chop. To me, the best thing about neutering is taking comfort in the knowledge that my pet’s offspring will never end up euthanized in a shelter.

If you live in Los Angeles it is the LAW! Los Angeles Municipal Code 53.15.2 states that "all dogs of cats residing in the city of Los Angeles must be spayed or neutered unless they meet certain medical criteria, are active show or service dogs, or are licensed for breeding purposes. Stiff fines and penalties can be assessed for persistent failure to comply."

If you adopted your dog or cat from an animal shelter in California, state law requires the pet be spayed or neutered before you are allowed to take it home (unless there is a valid medical reason for a delay).

If you are wondering where to have your pet spayed or neutered, related costs, and healing, you can ask your veterinarian. If you do have trouble affording their fee, there are other, convenient, low-cost options available to you. You can call your local animal shelter; they may operate or know of a clinic that offers subsidized services, or may offer vouchers to have your pet spayed or neutered at a reduced fee by local veterinarians. You can also call 1(800)248-7729 or 1(800)248-SPAY to contact spayusa.org, a national spay and neuter referral network.

Lastly, if you are somehow confused and feel that removing your dogs testicles emasculates the dog (and henceforth you), I suggest either getting a female dog or seeking therapy immediately, and I don’t mean for the dog.

Myths vs. Facts about Spaying and Neutering

MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners over-feed them and do not exercise them enough!

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 have fewer health problems and generally live longer. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age.

MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.
FACT: Most pets prefer to give birth in seclusion and generally in the dark or at night. Your children are very unlikely to see the actual birth, and when one of the litter die, the lesson you will really be teaching your children: Animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, purchase your children a DVD of "The Miracle of Life" and explain to them that the real miracle is that preventing birth in some pets can ultimately save lives.

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 who need homes. Two of my three purebreds came from shelters.

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. I have territorial dogs that are happy to prove their protectiveness.

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 sexual ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered. At most, they will be less likely to run away, mark indoors and slightly less aggressive (aggressiveness should not to be confused with protectiveness – they are not the same thing!).

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. Genetic engineers can make a copy but it still won’t "just like" her.

MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
FACT: If you are concerned that spaying or neutering your pet is too expensive, chances are, a pet may not be in your budget. Spaying or neutering is a paltry fee next to a necessary major surgery. 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 thousands of dollars of veterinary bills with any complications.

MYTH: I'll find "good" homes for all the puppies and kittens.
FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter; Each home one of your litter finds its way to, shuts the door for another needy animal in a shelter, potentially leading to their demise. 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.

MYTH: It’s just for dogs and cats.
FACT: Rabbits reproduce even faster than dogs or cats, and often end up in shelters where they must be euthanized. Spaying or neutering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. Spaying females can even prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers, which can be prevalent in mature females!