WHY SPAY AND NEUTER?

Benefits of Spaying:
   
• Prevents pregnancy and the complications arising from pregnancy and delivery
   
• Eliminates the heat cycle - you won't have to listen to the sounds of your female in heat, trying to get out and find a mate
   
• Prevents unwelcome males from trying to seek out your female pet in heat
   
• Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.
   
• Eliminates sexual discomfort, distress, or distraction ... making your pet happier and more content.
   
• Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system.
   
• Reduces unwanted litters, therefore reducing needless euthanasia in our shelters
   
   
Benefits of Neutering:
   
• Reduces the distracting and destructive behavior associated with the male's efforts to get out and find a mate
   
• Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.
   
• Eliminates sexual discomfort, distress, or distraction ... making your pet happier and more content.
   
• Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.
   
• In cats, neutering stops or reduces marking behavior (territorial spraying of urine).
   
• Reduces the urge to fight.
   
• Reduces unwanted litters, therefore reducing needless euthanasia in our shelters
   
 

Myths & Facts about Spay & Neuter
 
Myth:
My pet will be a better and happier pet if I let her have one litter before I get her spayed. I will find them all homes.
 
Fact:
There is no evidence that cats become better or happier for having procreated. Giving birth is a painful and stressful time, and often not all the babies live; and sometimes the mother cat can die, especially if she is very young or old, leaving behind orphaned kittens that will probably die as well. One litter can displace 2-8 homes for other homeless animals in need. Even if you find homes for them all, other pets in the community who are just as deserving of a decent home may not be adopted and will be euthanized.
 
Myth:
My pet is too young to be spayed.
 
Fact:
Kittens are capable of reproducing as young as 5 months! Dogs usually have their first heat around 6 months. Spay/neuter procedures can be performed as young as 8 weeks or two pounds and the younger it's done, the easier the recovery will be! Early spay/neuter can also help keep your kitten from developing bad habits such as spraying, because their hormones aren't yet active.
 
Myth:
I can't afford to get my pet spayed.
 
Fact:
Bend Spay & Neuter charges less than our cost to help you get your pet altered. If further assistance is required, please express this to our receptionist. NO CAT WILL BE TURNED AWAY!
 
Myth:
If my pet has a litter, my kids will learn about the birds and the bees in the most natural way.
 
Fact:
Letting your pet have a litter teaches your kids that it's okay to contribute to the sad problem of pet overpopulation. Instead, teach them responsibility by fostering a pregnant mom or a litter for Bend Spay & Neuter Clinic or one of the local humane societies! Bend Spay & Neuter Clinic provides cat food, supplies and veterinarian care for its foster animals