Goshen Animal Welfare League

Spaying and neutering, the most common surgical procedures performed on animals, prevent animals from being able to reproduce. Females are spayed, and males are altered. When a female is spayed, her ovaries and uterus are removed. When a male is neutered, his testicles are removed.

Veterinarians provide animals with a general anesthetic, so the surgery itself is painless. Any discomfort an animal experiences afterward is minimal and part of the normal healing process. Most dogs show no signs of discomfort from the procedure. Most return to normal activity within 24 to 72 hours after surgery.

In female dogs, spaying greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer and prevents various reproductive tract disorders. Neutering male dogs often resolves undesirable behaviors such as aggression and roaming, and eliminates the risk of various testicular diseases.   

Neutered dogs tend to fight less and are less likely to become lost due to straying from home in search of a mate. Spayed animals do not go into heat or need to be confined indoors to avoid pregnancy. 

Even if you are very careful to keep your male pet under control at all times, accidents do happen and he may escape. In fact, he will likely try repeatedly to escape, digging up your yard, scratching up your door, or chewing off his restraint in the process. Males roaming in search of a mate are susceptible to being injured by traffic and in fights with other males. While a female dog can only have one litter at a time, male animals can impregnate many females each day.

Although animals have traditionally been altered at six months, many veterinarians are now practicing pediatric (also known as early-age" or "juvenile") spay/neuter surgery, which can be performed on puppies as young as six to eight weeks. Doctors practicing this technique report that the surgery is significantly easier and quicker to perform; pet owners who have had pediatric spay/neuter performed on their dogs report fewer medical problems than those who have older animals altered; and spaying or neutering homeless dogs before adopting them out is the best way to prevent unwanted births.

The cost of surgery may seem high initially, it's a real bargain when compared with the cost of raising a litter of puppies. 

Friends of Animals, for example, distributes low cost spay/neuter vouchers through its national toll-free hotline: 1-800-321-PETS (1-800-321-7387).

The bottom line is this: when you adopt an animal, you assume responsibility for that animal's well-being. Spaying or neutering is as vital to your pet's health and happiness as routine physical examinations, good nutrition, grooming, playtime, and love. Before you adopt a dog, you need to seriously consider whether or not you are ready to take on the financial responsibility of properly caring for one. If you have already adopted an unaltered dog, it is your responsibility to have the dog spayed or neutered regardless of cost.