by Roshelle Anderson
Many of us include pets in our daily routines and welcome them into our homes as beloved family members. Decisions about their health are among the toughest aspects of pet parenting, and choosing to move forward with surgery can be stressful and scary. While opinions and myths surrounding spaying and neutering are ingrained in our culture, these procedures are routinely performed and widely viewed as safe and effective, with lasting benefits for the overall health of individual pets as well as positive impacts on the community.
What is spaying and neutering?
Spaying is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female animal, while neutering is the term used to describe the surgical removal of testicles for a male animal. These surgeries prevent animals from reproducing offspring and are often referred to as fixing, sterilizing or altering. These are common surgical procedures performed by licensed veterinarians, which are conducted under general anesthesia with no pain during surgery and minimal discomfort afterward.
As all pets are unique, Dr. Amanda Elmenhorst, the medical director and in-house clinic veterinarian at Oklahoma Humane Society, says, “Speak with your veterinarian about timing of surgery, what age it should be performed, and the considerations of lab work to develop a surgical treatment plan specific to your pet.”
Community benefits of spaying and neutering
The repercussions felt by animal welfare organizations due to COVID-19 shutdowns were a stark reminder of the importance of steady, low-cost spay and neuter programs. The temporary closure of low-cost spay and neuter clinics during the pandemic led to fewer surgeries being performed. In turn, communities saw significant increases in unwanted pets born. When population levels grow, it not only places more strain on shelters and rescues, which increases rates of euthanasia, but also contributes to higher rates of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and wandering stray dogs and cats.
While the solution to pet overpopulation is multifaceted — dependent on the adoption of rescue pets, education, access to low-cost pet care and housing, and varying social and economic factors — spaying and neutering pets plays a crucial role in combating animal suffering and homelessness.
Dr. Macy Schneeberger, Oklahoma Humane Society’s Statewide Initiative veterinarian and manager, explains that cats can reach sexual maturity as early as 4 to 6 months of age and can have two to three litters a year in Oklahoma with four to six kittens produced per litter. Dogs typically reach sexual maturity between 6 to 9 months, go into heat twice a year, and have litter sizes that vary by breed, ranging from one to six puppies in smaller dogs and six to 12 in larger breeds.
Not everyone is able or willing to care for pets, so it’s crucial to spay and neuter animals and support organizations that provide low-cost services before offspring numbers become overwhelming.
The overall benefits of spaying and neutering pets
There are many myths that discourage pet parents from getting their pets altered. However, the majority of veterinarians agree the benefits of spaying and neutering outweigh any potential negative impacts for most pets.
“Spaying and neutering have health, behavioral and population control benefits. It can increase lifespans by reducing cancer risks, specifically mammary and testicular, and eliminates the risk of infections such as pyometra, which is a life-threatening uterine infection,” says Elmenhorst. “It can decrease behavioral issues like marking, roaming and aggression in both cats and dogs.”
Best options for you and your pet
Low-cost spay and neuter clinics are effective and safe with highly skilled and experienced surgeons. However, if you love and trust your veterinarian, going to your private vet’s practice to get your pet altered is a great option. If a private veterinarian is not an option, many shelters and rescues offer low-cost or free spay and neuter clinics for the public throughout the year.
You can schedule an appointment with a metro organization such as All Paws Rescue (cats only for spay/neuter), Bella SPCA’s Non-Profit Veterinary Hospital, Edmond Animal Services, Get Fixed OK, Halo Animal Hospital (cats only), Helping Community Paws and Claws, Norman Animal Welfare, OKC Animal Welfare, Oklahoma Humane Society Spay and Neuter Clinic, Safe Haven ABC Clinic, SpayXperts and more.
Contact your local shelter or rescue for additional information on potential free or low-cost clinics in your area, as many work with statewide programs such as Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Low Income Sterilization Program or partner with other organizations like Oklahoma Humane Society’s Statewide Initiative to bring veterinary services to rural and underserved areas.
It’s important to note that the nonprofit clinics mentioned above are not emergency clinics, and many only offer spay and neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping and preventatives. So it’s important to continue your pet’s wellness journey with a full-service veterinarian.
If you love animals and want to make a difference for them in your community, spaying and neutering your pets is a great way to start!
Sidebar:
Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Services
These local organizations provide affordable options to help control pet overpopulation.
- All Paws Rescue — cats only
- Bella SPCA Non-Profit Veterinary Hospital
- Edmond Animal Services
- Get Fixed OK
- Halo Animal Hospital — cats only
- Helping Community Paws & Claws
- Norman Animal Welfare
- OKC Animal Welfare
- Oklahoma Humane Society Spay & Neuter Clinic
- Safe Haven ABC Clinic
- SpayXperts
