We all know that the American Humane Societies and Shelter systems are overloaded. On the fourth Tuesday of February, we honor World Spay Day by focusing on awareness and knowledge.

**Why is Spay Day Important?**

Increase awareness about the significance of spaying and neutering. This helps mitigate the pet overpopulation crisis in our country. It also discourages the practice of puppy mills and backyard breeding. While spaying and neutering incur some costs, raising a litter and providing vaccinations are considerably more expensive.

Far too many animals live on the streets, contributing to the problem of unwanted litters. Some businesses falsely label themselves as “rescues,” but they fill their kennels with animals from puppy mills. Let’s unite to promote responsible breeding and help reduce the number of unwanted pets. It saves lives; our system is overwhelmed, and there are too many unwanted or homeless pets.

In recent years, guidelines for spaying and neutering pets have changed. It is now recommended that pets wait until they reach maturity. You need to consider breed and size before having these procedures done. Allowing your dog to remain intact until it matures benefits joint health. It can also reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Is the cost of spaying and neutering holding you back? There are ways to reduce this cost and protect your pet from unwanted litters. Check to see if your state has an Animal Population Control Program. Look for low-cost spay and Neuter clinics near you. If you have more than one pet, make the cost more manageable. Break it down and focus on one pet at a time. Contact your local shelter. They might provide assistance with the cost or help find local resources.

Spaying or neutering may not be suitable for your dog. There could be potential health risks linked to its breed or family history. However, alternative options are available. Male dogs can undergo a vasectomy, while female dogs can have a hysterectomy. These procedures spare the ovaries and testicles, allowing the dog to retain its hormones. However, these surgeries are more complex and are not widely taught in veterinary schools, which may result in higher costs.

We all need to do our part to help reduce the strain on our system. No dog or cat should ever be euthanized due to a lack of space in a shelter. Always consult with your veterinarian before spaying or neutering your pet.