Get Spayed and Neutered for Free! (Your PET, That is!)
As the folks over at SF Appeal so kindly informed us, February is Spay & Neuter month! And that means that the San Francisco SPCA is so kind as to provide free spay/neuter services for the month of February!
Personally, I don’t need to keep up with the current freebies since my 12 year old Pit Bull mix, Ohm, was spayed ages ago. (In the photo, she’s the one on the left. Powder, in the middle, and Lace on the right, passed away and left big gaping holes in my heart in 2008. I still miss them desperately every day.)
But if you, or someone you know has a pet that is not yet spayed or neutered, and you’re a SF resident, contact the SF SPCA to get yourself on the appointment list.
Aside from controlling overpopulation of pets in shelters that leads to increased euthanasia rates, spaying or neutering your beloved 4 legged friend brings a variety of benefits to you AND your pet. According to PawsperousPets.com these are just a few of the benefits of taking care of your pets needs. (And as as aside, if you live in San Francisco and have a Pit Bull or a Pit Bull Mix, spaying or neutering your dog is mandatory!)
Benefits of Spaying
Prevents pregnancy and the complications arising from pregnancy and delivery
Eliminates the heat cycle – you won’t have to listen to the sounds of your female in heat, trying to get out and find a mate
Prevents unwelcome males from trying to seek out your female pet in heat
Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.
Eliminates sexual discomfort, distress, or distraction … making your pet happier and more content.
Reduces or eliminates the possibility of disease in the reproductive system.
Benefits of Neutering
Reduces the distracting and destructive behavior associated with the male’s efforts to get out and find a mate
Reduces the urge to roam. This makes it less likely that you will lose your pet, which in turn makes your pet less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured, or become a victim to cruelty, poison, or traffic.
Eliminates sexual discomfort, distress, or distraction … making your pet happier and more content.
Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.
In cats, neutering stops or reduces marking behavior (territorial spraying of urine).
Reduces the urge to fight.
And while the SPCA is offering these services for free, remember, they also DO need money to keep taking care of the animals in their shelter, so if you CAN afford to pay to have your pet spayed or neutered, please dig deep into your pockets and donate to the SPCA or a number of other great local pet rescues, including Muttville, Bad Rap and the Give a Dog a Bone project, just to name a few!
AND while I’m at it, I may as well take a moment to tell you about this pair of adorable (spayed and neutered) dogs that recently lost their owner and are desperately looking for their new forever home!!! Read about them here!
