Spay & Neuter

“I wish I could take them all home!” Many animal shelter visitors react with this heartfelt expression of concern for the dogs and cats they see. Unfortunately, none of us have enough room to take them all home. You can help! Spaying or neutering your pet will help decrease the number of unwanted animals that don’t have a home or family to love and care for them.
 

What is spaying or neutering my pet?

Neutering is the surgical removal of certain reproductive organs - in the female, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries; in the male, the testicles. Neuter surgery on female animals is sometimes called "spaying." The surgery prevents females from becoming pregnant and prevents males from impregnating females.

Animals are anesthetized during the surgery to spare them from pain. They typically go home the same day or within a day of the procedure. Neutering is a relatively safe and simple operation, and its potential for helping to save animals' lives is tremendous.
 

There are many benefits from spaying or neutering your pet :

• Healthier, happier and calmer pet(s) with less anxiety from sexual frustration
• Minimized cancer risk, uterine infections and prostrate problems
• Fewer diseases and increased life expectancy
• Less animal roaming
• Less territorialism, marking territory
• Less aggressive behavior, better disposition, although not a cure for aggression it will lessen the urge to fight for sexual dominance
• Reduction in lifetime veterinary expenses

Common myths, excuses & misunderstandings:

• It is too expensive to spay or neuter my pet - Misunderstanding: It is far cheaper in the long run than caring for litters.
• She should have one litter first, to settle her down - Myth: Having a litter won’t improve her health or permanently change her personality. There is no medical evidence that having a litter is good for her.
• But my pet is a purebred - Excuse: One in every four dogs brought in to animal shelters around the country are purebred.
• My children want to see the miracle of birth - Excuse: Even if your children are able to see your pet give birth, the lesson your children will be learning is that animals can be created and discarded. Birth usually occurs at night or in seclusion. Instead teach your children that preventing excess births will save the lives of others. Homes for your litter would be homes for unwanted animals in shelters.
• If I alter my dog he or she’ll stop protecting my house - Myth: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect its home and family. However, he or she will be less likely to wander off, become lost or hit by a car.
• My dog is so special, I want a pup/kitten just like her - Excuse: Your pet may be a great dog or cat but that does not mean you will get a carbon copy.
• Spaying or neutering makes pets fat and lazy - Myth: That is cause by overfeeding and lack of exercise. Spayed or neutered pets require fewer calories.
• Fact: Did you know ... starting with two unaltered cats, one male and one female. If the cats and their offspring are left to breed, you’ll end up with:
• 12 cats in the 1st year
• 67 cats in the 2nd year
• 376 cats in the 3rd year
• 2107 cats in the 4th year
• 11,801 cats in the 5th year
• 66,088 cats in the 6th year
• 370,092 in the 7th year!

Adopt from the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society!

All dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are mandatory spayed or neutered before they leave for their new homes. Adoption fee is $75 on most animals and far less expensive than spaying or neutering on your own.

Click here to view our adoptable pets - your next dog or cat is waiting for you!
 

Local Spay & Neuter Clinics:

For costs on spaying or neutering your pet, see our list of local veterinarians to call for price quotes in your area. At this time there is no low-cost spay or neuter clinic in the Chelan / Douglas County area.

There is a local organization AnimalHelp of Central Washington that funds spay or neuter of animals whose people meet any of several criteria for reduced income or financial hardship. Message phone: (509) 662-9888 or email: info@animalhelpcw.org

The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society has future plans for expanding our shelter and to include a low cost spay and neuter program for the public. If you would like more information on how you can help donate please email Cynthia Brown or call (509) 662-9577.

Adoption saves one life, spaying and neutering saves thousands! 
You can help eliminate pet overpopulation.
Be a part of the solution, please spay or neuter your pet.

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