Spay/Neuter is booming in Gillespie County.
Spaying or neutering pets prevents animals from being born accidentally and is proven to be the most effective and humane way to deal with out-of-control cat and dog populations.
There is an overpopulation of unwanted cats and dogs right here in Gillespie County but cats are a particular problem at this time. Animals, especially cats, can get pregnant as early as five months old.
There are literally 10’s of thousands of cats that end up homeless every year in our area. Even if every feral animal were trapped and taken to the Fredericksburg City Animal Shelter there are just not enough people to adopt all of these animals.
At least animals in shelters are saved from the streets but countless others animals never make it to shelters and suffer without someone to help care for them.
What do spay and neuter mean?
- When someone says an animal is “fixed” or “altered” that means the animal has been spayed or neutered.
- A spay is the surgical removal of a female animal’s reproductive organs so she cannot become pregnant.
- A neuter is the surgical removal of a male animal’s testicles so that he cannot impregnate a female.
- The surgeries are performed by a veterinarian while animals are under general anesthesia so that they do not feel pain. An animal will likely experience some discomfort after the surgery, so pain medication is provided.
- PAWS recommends that people have their pets altered as soon as possible.
Benefits for our community
Spaying and neutering reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals in a community.
- Stray animals get into garbage cans, scare people, cause car accidents, and damage property.
- Irresponsible or accidental breeding contributes to dog attacks and bites.
- Some stray animals kill or injure wildlife.
- Communities spend millions of tax dollars every year to provide care for unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals.
Benefits for you and your pet
Your companion will live a longer, healthier life and you will experience fewer headaches if you get him or her spayed or neutered.
Spaying and neutering will:
- Reduce the odds of breast cancer and dangerous uterine infections in females and prostate problems and testicular cancer in males.
- The animal’s need to roam in search of a mate, decreasing the chances that an animal will get into fights with other animals.
- Eliminates messy heat cycles in females and attracting unwanted males.
- Reduces the tendency to bite. Aggression is different from protectiveness so your pet will still be protective of his family even after being altered.
- Reduces spraying, wailing, marking territory, or making inappropriate sexual approaches toward people or objects.