Fast facts about spay/neuter

PET OVERPOPULATION ESTIMATES

Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year: 6-8 million (HSUS estimate)

Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million (HSUS estimate)

Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3

Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6

Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2

Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10

It costs U.S. taxpayers an estimated $2 billion each year to round up, house, euthanize, and dispose of homeless animals.

Over 56% of dogs and puppies entering shelters are euthanized, based on reports from over 1,055 facilities across America.

Approximately 71% of cats and kittens entering shelters are euthanized, based on reports from 1,055 facilities across America.

A shelter animal is euthanized every 8 seconds. That’s four million each year.

COMMON MISPERCEPTIONS ABOUT SPAYING/NEUTERING PETS

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 ego. Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality. He doesn’t suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

MYTH: It’s too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, vet’s fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a onetime 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 significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop. Most importantly, it’s a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.

LOCAL SPAY NEUTER OPTIONS

The City of Dallas has a free program for anyone on public assistance that lives in Dallas.

Metroplex Animal Coalition has a free program for anyone in Dallas that earns less than $35,000 but does not qualify for the city program

SPCA of Texas has four area low-cost clinics open to anyone

Kittico has a free spay/neuter program for feral or owned cats

Kaufman County Animal Awareness – free or reduced cost depending on need P.O. Box 794073 . Dallas, TX . 75379 . T: (972) 661-2356 . www.companionsforlife.org