2. Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to fight with other animals, avoiding injury to themselves and avoiding high veterinary bills for their owners.

3. Spayed and neutered pets are less distracted by sexual instincts and become easier to train.

4. Spayed and neutered dogs are usually more reliable “watch dogs” and more responsive to family members because they are less distracted by sexual instincts.

5. Female dogs in heat stain carpets and furniture. Spaying eliminates this problem.

6. Female cats in heat yowl and exhibit anxious behavior that is annoying to their owners. They typically go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. Spaying eliminates this problem.

7. Male cats spray both inside and outside the house. The spray has an unpleasant, unmistakable odor. Neutering reduces or eliminates this problem.

8. Female dogs and cats attract noisy, fighting and bothersome male dogs and cats.

9. Spayed female pets are less likely to develop breast cancer or pyometra (a common uterine infection in unspayed females).

10. Neutered male pets are less likely to suffer infections or disorders in the prepuce or prostate glands.

11. Pregnant female pets eat more, both when pregnant and after offspring are born. Puppies and kittens are expensive to feed.

12. Spayed and neutered dogs are cheaper to license.

13. Female pets have no need to bear one litter before spaying. In fact, females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Fostering for your local animal shelter allows children to watch newborn kittens and puppies grow into healthy happy pets and teaches your child that animals' lives have value.

14. Neutering does not make a pet fat or lazy. Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

15. Approximately every 4 seconds one animal is killed because no one wants it. There is simply no excuse for allowing pets to breed.

The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society provides affordable spaying and neutering services to the community, as well as maintains a policy of spaying and neutering all adoption animals before they are placed in homes.

For more information on our low-fee clinic contact the shelter at 805-688-8224 or e-mail us at info@syvhumane.org

Spread the word...Download our flyer to encourage others to spay or neuter their pet.