Why Spay/Neuter?

Spaying and neutering benefits pets, owners, and communities. This common procedure offers numerous advantages: 

Promotes Health and Longevity

Spaying and neutering decrease the risk of certain life-threatening infections, including pyometra (uterine infection), and cancers such as mammary (breast), prostate, and testicular.  

These critical conditions require expensive and possible emergency treatment, often preventable by spaying or neutering your pet. 

Behavioral Benefits

Spaying and neutering also helps improve pet behavior by reducing common issues like urine spraying, marking, and excessive vocalization.  

Getting your pet spayed or neutered does not alter their core personality. Instead, it supports their overall wellbeing and generally increases their lifespan. Some behavior challenges may need additional remedies. 

Control Pet Overpopulation

One of the biggest reasons to spay and neuter is to reduce pet overpopulation. According to Shelter Animals Count, over 84,000 animals entered Washington shelters and rescues in 2023.  

Spaying and neutering doesn’t just enhance a pet’s well-being, it also alleviates the burden on animal shelters and rescues, who frequently experience limited resources and space. It’s a simple yet powerful way to contribute to the broader effort to reduce pet overpopulation and pet homelessness. 

Making a Lasting Impact for Animals in Our Community

 In 2023, our veterinary team accomplished a remarkable feat: spaying and neutering over 5,100 shelter pets! Still more pets arrive at our doors in need of these crucial surgeries daily.

You can help us continue to spay and neuter pets, prevent unwanted litters, reduce overpopulation, and ultimately give these pets a shot at a happier, healthier life.  

Let’s make a meaningful impact together. Donate here.

For information about spaying and neutering, or low-cost spay and neuter options available to you, visit our Spay & Neuter resources page.