Spay/Neuter

Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

  • You won’t contribute to the millions of animals put to sleep each year.
  • Spayed females don’t go into heat, which often attracts rowdy males who can injure your pet or others.
  • Spaying/neutering reduces the risk of certain health problems, including mammary tumors, uterine infections, and prostate cancer.
  • Spaying/neutering can reduce a pet’s tendency to roam, mark its territory (spraying), and show aggression toward other animals.
  • Spay/neuter surgery is a relative bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and her offspring.
  • Spayed/neutered pets often become friendlier once they don’t have the constant urge to mate.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

If you have a new puppy or kitten, don’t wait! Pets can become parents sooner than you think. Evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now spay and neuter pets as young as 8 weeks old.

Older cats should be spayed/neutered as soon as possible. Female cats can go into heat and get pregnant while still nursing a litter, so don’t wait until the litter is weaned to spay a female.

Where do I spay or neuter my pet?

To find spay/neuter organizations in your area, please visit Oregon Spay/Neuter Blog: www.neuterspayoregon.blogspot.com

What if I can’t afford to spay or neuter my pet?

For pets, Oregon Spay/Neuter Fund provides coupons accepted at a number of local veterinary offices: 503-286-2411, www.oregonspayneuter.org
For feral or unapproachable cats, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon provides trapping and spay/neuter assistance: 503-797-2606, www.feralcats.com

What if it’s not my pet?

Animal Rescue & Care Fund is devoted to reducing the stray and feral cat population in and around Portland. We believe that the best way to avoid putting animals to sleep unnecessarily is to reduce the population of unwanted births through spaying and neutering of all animals, not just our pets.

If you are caring for a feral or unapproachable cat, please contact the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon for assistance with trapping and spaying the animal.

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