World Spay Day

Today (February 25^th) is World Spay Day.  This is an international day of awareness to urge folks to have their pets spayed or neutered.

Now most of us have heard the story that one female cat and her offspring can produce over 420,000 cats in seven years.  HUGE number right?  Let’s get realistic.  This number is estimating that all the cats born survive and that at least 50% of them are female.  Realistically, looking at mortality rates and what not, that number is more like 400 cats in seven years.  That is still a big number considering the number of pets that are killed in shelters every year from being unwanted. 

 

No matter what the actual number is, with all the unwanted pets dying every day in shelters across the world, you need to have you pet spayed or neutered.  Now don’t give me this crock where you want your child to experience the wonder of live birth.  Nowadays you can find YouTube videos that will give you graphic detail.  You can also take your children to the shelter so they can see first-hand what happens to those cute little kittens and puppies that no one wants once their own kids did experience that wonder.

 

If you can’t afford to have your pet spayed or neutered there are plenty of programs out there that will assist you.  Low-cost or even free in some cases.  Here is a link to Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s spay/neuter programs.  Heck, just do a Google search for Low Cost Spay Clinic.  I had 344,000 results come up.  There is no excuse for not being a responsible pet owner.

 

Why should you have your pet spayed/neutered?  It’s not just because of all the unwanted pets that die every day…that’s just one reason.  There are also health reasons, behavioral issues, and reduced costs in the long run.  Spayed and neutered pets are cheaper to care for in the long run.  The Humane Society of the United States gives some excellent reasons.

 

Remember that if you are looking for a new pet to add to your family, Adopt, don’t Shop.  Go to your local animal shelter or rescue and save a life in need.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri