1. Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.

Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about half of dogs and 90% of cats.

2. It provides major health benefits for your male.

Neutering before six months of age prevents testicular cancer.

3. Your female pet won't go into heat.

During breeding season, female cats usually go into heat for 4-5 days every three weeks.

4. Your male pet won't want to roam away from home.

An unneutered male will do just about anything to find a mate! If he gets out, he risks getting lost, injured in traffic, fighting with other animals, and more.

5. Your male pet will behave better.

Neutered cats and dogs focus on their human families, while unneutered pets may become aggressive and/or mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house.

6. It will NOT make your pet fat.

Your pet will remain fit as long as you provide proper exercise and monitor food intake.

7. It is highly cost-effective.

Spay/neuter surgery costs a lot less than having and caring for a litter.

8. It’s good for the community.

Spaying/neutering reduces the number of animals on the streets, which can prey on pets and wildlife, cause car accidents, carry disease, and more.

9. There are other ways kids can learn about the miracle of birth.

Letting your pet have babies you don’t intend to keep is not a good lesson for your children — especially when so many animals end up in shelters. Many books and videos are available to teach kids about birth more responsibly.

10. It prevents unplanned litters, reducing the number of pets in danger of being killed in shelters or suffering as strays.

 With thanks to the ASPCA.