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What is Pediatric Spay/Neuter?
Pediatric Spay/Neuter has become standard practice for many rescue groups and shelters. Neutering as young as eight weeks of age has many benefits and has been endorsed by many veterinary groups and humane organizations. In 1991, the American Humane Association became the first national organization to endorse early spaying and neutering of puppies and kittens. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, Humane Societies of the United States, Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, among others, quickly followed suit and believe the practice to be a safe, effective tool to help end pet overpopulation.
Before Pediatric spay/neuter was available to rescue groups, we hoped that families who adopted puppies would do the responsible thing and neuter their pets, once old enough. Unfortunately, that was not always the case. How many unwanted litters of puppies were born (and later, euthanized, when they lost that puppy cuteness and were surrendered to a shelter) because the owners did not fulfill their responsibility? By neutering puppies prior to adoption, we know that fewer unwanted litters will result and more adult dogs will enjoy the health benefits of being neutered.
Please be sure to make arrangements to neuter your pet. Ask your veterinarian about pediatric spay/neuter. If you are unsure about neutering, please consider the following FACTS:
In six years one unspayed female dog, her offspring and their puppies, if none are spayed or neutered, can produce up to 67,000 dogs. In the same six years one unspayed female cat, her kittens and their kittens can add up to 73,000 cats.
Most of these animals will be euthanized, some after years of neglect. Wouldn't you help prevent this from happening, if you could?
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