Spay and Neuter Information

Spaying or Neutering Is Good for Your Pet

Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat, Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle. Spaying and neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

Spaying and Neutering is Good for the Community

Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals. Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals. Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs. Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.

Why Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You

Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions. Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory. Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals. Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite. Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights. Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.

Local Veterinary Clinics that can help you:

  • Dunkirk Animal Hospital 410-257-410-257-5798
  • Chesapeake Animal Clinic 301-855-301-855-5166
  • Prince Frederick Animal Hospital 410- 535-2590
  • Solomons Veterinary Clinic 410-326-4300

For low cost spay and neuter information and appointments:

  • The Well Pet Clinic 301-866-0303
  • Lucky Ones in Charlotte Hall 301-884-2850 or www.luckyones.com
  • SPOT - Saint Leonard 410-562-6516 www.spayspot.org
  • St. Mary's Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) Leonardtown 301-373-5659
  • Well Pet Clinic of Waldorf 301-885-0263
  • Well Pet Clinic of Lexington Park 301-866-0303
Your veterinarian or any of the above low cost spay and neuter organizations can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to spay or neuter your pet. For more information on why you should spay/neuter your pet, please visit http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adopt_spayneuter.