4 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month! If you’ve been wondering if you should get your pet fixed, we’ve got four reasons why you should book that appointment:
It helps keep your pet healthy and safe
Spaying and neutering eliminates the risk of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancers, and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. Additionally, unaltered pets will often go to great lengths to escape their home and find a mate—sometimes even digging under fences or escaping through a loose window screen. Altered pets are less likely to roam, which means they’re less likely to encounter outdoor dangers like cars and predators.
It helps reduce unwanted behaviors
Intact pets are more likely to spray, yowl, mount, and fight with other animals. While in heat, female animals can cry and pace out of frustration. Spaying and neutering won’t change your pet’s personality, and it’s certainly not a quick fix for every behavioral issue, but it can significantly reduce nuisance behaviors directly linked to being intact.
It saves you money
The reduced risk of certain medical conditions can minimize vet bills throughout the life of your pet. But did you know that you’ll also get a discount on licensing if your pet is spayed or neutered? In some areas, you can save 50% or more on your annual licensing fee if your pet is fixed.
You’ll make a positive impact on shelter animals
You might think that it’s unnecessary to spay or neuter your pet if they’re not around other animals of the opposite sex. But all it can take is a dash out of an open door for an accidental pregnancy to occur. According to Shelter Animals Count, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2025, with approximately one third of those being puppies and kittens. By taking steps to prevent unwanted animals from entering shelters, you’re helping to reduce pet overpopulation, leaving more kennels available for pets in need.
Our SNiP clinic offers low-cost spay/neuter appointments to residents of our 11 animal care & control service areas. If you are outside of our service areas, please visit our Veterinary Resources page for more information on low-cost clinics and financial assistance.
