1. Your female dog or cat will live a longer and healthier life

Spaying, which is the removal of the ovaries and uterus, is a veterinary procedure performed under general anesthesia requiring minimal hospitalization. Spaying a female cat or dog helps prevent pyometra (pus-filled uterus) and breast cancer. Treatment of pyometra requires hospitalization, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Breast cancer can be fatal in about 50 percent of female dogs and in 90 percent of female cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

2. There are major health benefits for your male cat or dog

Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male dog or cat, which involves the surgical removal of the testicles, prevents testicular cancer and prostate disease, if it is done before six months of age.

3. Your spayed female will not go into heat

While cycles can vary greatly, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently, sometimes all over the house. Unspayed female dogs generally have a bloody discharge for about a week, and can conceive for another week or so.

4. Your male dog will not need to wonder away from home

An intact male in search of a mate will do just about anything to get one. That includes digging his way under the fence and escaping from the house. If your dog escapes and is able to roam free, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.

5. Your male dog will be better behaved

Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Indoors, male dogs may embarrass you by mounting on furniture and human legs when stimulated. A neutered dog protects his home and family just as well as unneutered dog. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.

6. Spaying or neutering you pet will not make them fat

This is simply not true. Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to store extra pounds, neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue a proper regime of exercise and diet.

7. Spaying or neutering is expensive

The cost of your pet's spay or neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also is less expensive than if your pet gets into fights or gets hit by a car, etc. The long term cost is well worth it and it is the right thing to do for the animal population. Low-cost spay/neuter programs are available in most states. To find a low-cost program near you, call your local humane society or shelter, or call 800-248-SPAY (800-248-7729).

8. Spaying and neutering is good for the community

Stray animals pose real problems in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause vehicular accidents, damage the local fauna and attack children. Many stray and unwanted animals live lonely and miserable lives due to the lack of concern for spaying and neutering.

9. Your kids do not need to witness the miracle of birth through your pet

This is something that is said frequently. Letting your pet produce offspring which you have no intention of keeping teaches your children irresponsibility and lack of concerns for animals. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the truth behind this. There are countless books, videos, etc. available to teach your children about birth in a responsible and humane manner.

10. It is important in the fight against pet overpopulation

Millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized annually or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering. Please be responsible because they are depending on you.

Low-cost spay and neuter programs are available in most states.

To find a low cost program near you, call your local humane society or shelter, or call 800-248-SPAY (800-248-7729).