cthumane.org
Common Myths:
1.SPAY/NEUTER COSTS TOO MUCH.
NOT TRUE: It is MUCH cheaper than caring for
multiple litters each year.
2.NEUTERING WILL DESTROY THE “GUARD
DOG” INSTINCTS.
NOT TRUE: Appropriate training and a close
human/animal bond will help male dogs alert
owners to strangers on the property.
3.SPAY/NEUTER MAKES PETS FAT.
NOT TRUE: Obesity is caused by excess food and
the lack of exercise.
4.SPAY/NEUTER WILL HURT PETS.
NOT TRUE: These surgical procedures are
performed by a licensed veterinarian under
anesthesia with medications to reduce
discomfort.
5.A FEMALE SHOULD HAVE ONE LITTER FIRST
TO SETTLE HER DOWN.
NOT TRUE: Having a litter has not been proven to
affect disposition or behavior.
6.KEEPING ANIMALS FROM HAVING LITTERS
IS INTERFERING WITH NATURE.
NOT TRUE: We’ve already interfered.
Domesticated dogs and cats mate more often
and have larger litters than their wild ancestors.
It is not appropriate, in today’s world, for pets to
be born with no chance of finding a home.
It’s important for every
pet owner to take responsibility for their
pet by having it spayed or neutered.
If we all work together on this issue, we
will save THOUSANDS of lives and also
prevent the needless suffering of so many
homeless pets.
Shelters
Newington
Headquarters
& SHELTER
Cat Adoption Center
701 Russell Road
Newington, CT 06111
(800) 452-0114
Waterford Shelter
169 Old Colchester Rd.
Quaker Hill, CT 06375
(860) 442-8583
PetSmart New London
351 N. Frontage Road
New London, CT 06320
(860) 440-3321
Fox Memorial Clinic
701B Russell Road
Newington, CT 06111
(860) 594-4503
Westport Shelter
Why
455 Post Road East
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 227-4137
cthumane.org
A Private Charity Since 1881
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Spay?
Neuter?
What does
spay/ neuter mean?
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A
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NEUT
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures for
dogs and cats that eliminate their ability to reproduce.
Spaying is the procedure used for female pets and
neutering refers to the procedure used for male pets.
The word “alter” refers to the sterilizing of either sex.
1. Convenience to Owner
2. Better Health for Your Pet
• Eliminates the heat cycle which can attract
unwelcome male animals
• Early spaying can reduce the risk of mammary
tumors and uterine disease
• Eliminates the crying and nervous pacing of a
female in heat
• Eliminates complications involved in pregnancy
and birth
• Eliminates the need to confine females while in
heat
• Reduced risk of enlarged prostate glands and
prostate cancer
• Can help to eliminate some destructive
behaviors
• Eliminates the risk of testicular tumors
• Decreases the territorial behavior and fighting
between males
• Can reduce the spraying behavior of male cats
• Can reduce the mounting behavior of male dogs
• Can reduce the pet’s urge to roam
• May reduce aggression against people and
other animals
• Eliminates the risk of perianal adenoma
3. Helps Decrease the
Overpopulation Problem
• Between 3-4 million cats and dogs lose their
lives every year because there are not enough
homes! The number of feral cats born to die is
far greater. Spay/Neuter saves lives.
Do your research:
Ask a veterinarian about the procedure. To avoid
accidental litters and the behavioral issues that go
along with sexual maturity, dogs and cats should be
spayed or neutered when they are between 2 and
5 months old. Most pets can be spayed or neutered
at any age as long as they are in good overall health
and not overweight.
The cost of the procedure varies due to pet size and
other veterinary recommendations. Animal welfare
organizations often offer significant discounts
and some communities have reduced-fee options
available through local non-profit agencies.
No other birth control method offers all of the
health and behavioral benefits of spaying and
neutering.
Know The Facts:
Every hour, thousands of puppies and kittens are
born in the United States. Each year, between 3
and 4 million dogs and cats lose their lives simply
because there are not enough homes for them.
Millions of your tax dollars are spent annually at
animal control facilities to care for lost, abandoned
and unwanted pets. Sadly, many animal control
departments are not funded nor equipped to keep
all homeless pets and are faced with the need to
euthanize.
It is important for every pet owner to take
responsibility for their pet by having it spayed or
neutered. If we all work together on this issue, we
will save THOUSANDS of lives and also prevent the
needless suffering of so many homeless pets.