Spay/Neuter
The Humane Society of Wickenburg is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to protecting the welfare of animals in our community. A critical problem in our area is over-population. A large number of animals still are not spayed or neutered and are allowed to reproduce. We strive to reduce these unwanted animals through our low-cost spay and neuter programs and public education.
There are many benefits to having your pet spayed or neutered, the most important being reducing the overwhelming problem of over-population. Spaying eliminates unwanted heat cycles in both dogs and cats. Done prior to the first heat, spaying greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, as well as ovarian and uterine cancer and uterine infection. Neutered male dogs and cats are less likely to roam in search of females and get into fights with other males. Neutering a male cat prevents him from spraying to "mark" his territory both outdoors and in your home. A neutered male cat leads a longer life than a non-neutered male. The risk of prostate infection and cancer, as well as testicular cancer commonly seen in older, unaltered male dogs is greatly reduced.
'There's a driving force in the battle against pet overpopulation - Arizona's new 'pet-friendly' license plate' Order a specialty plate for just $25 and $17 from each sale is deposited into the Spay-Neuter services fund for Arizona dogs and cats. Help save lives - order today at www.servicearizona.com, call ADOT Motor Vehicles at 928-684-9549, or visit Motor Vehicle Division at 472 E. Wickenburg Way, Suite Four, Wickenburg. Do it now!
Myth: " My pet will get fat and lazy."
Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners overfeed them and do not give them enough exercise.
Myth: "It is better to have one litter first."
Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, it shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now do this surgery for cats and dogs as young as 8 weeks.
Myth: "But my pet is a purebred."
Fact: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats...mixed breed and purebred.
Myth: "I want my dog to be protective."
Fact: Spaying or neutering does not effect a dog's instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormone.
Myth: "I don't want my male dog or cat to feel less of a male."
Fact: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identify or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any type of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
Myth: "I'll find good homes for the puppies and kittens."
Fact: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in the shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring mayhave his or her own litter, adding even more animals to this uncontrolled population explosion. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.
Fact: In seven years, one fertile female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,00 cats.
Fact: In six years one fertile female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs.
Fact: Each year communities are forced to spend millions of taxpayer dollars trying to cope with the consequences of this surplus of pets.
Fact: Every year in the United States up to 5,000,000 cats and dogs are euthanized for lack of homes.
