The Economics Behind Spaying/Neutering Your Pet

There are many questions concerning pet care, especially spaying/neutering pets. Many people are worried about the cost, afraid their pets will get fat, loose personality, etc. These are valid concerns, however, most are unfounded:  Yes it can be expensive to spay/neuter your pet.  However, it is a one time surgery. The reason most pets get fat is the same reason most people gain weight:  they eat more calories than are used or burned off in a day. There are many health benefits to spaying/neutering your pet. The biggest is reducing the risk of several kinds of mammary and reproductive related cancers in your pet. There are also many hormone related behavoirs that can and will be eliminated.

One of the biggest community based reasons to spay/neuter your pet is economics.  Did you know that only about 56% of dogs and 71 % of cats entering animal controls and many shelters are euthanized?  That includes puppies and kittens that are unintended litters of pets that owners didn't think could get pregnant.  Did you know that it costs $250 - $400 to house than euthanize  and dispose of one unwanted animal?  In 2010 there were over 45,000 unwanted and homeless animals euthanized in Maryland.  That works out to $11,000,000 to $18,000,000 spent killing unwanted animals.  That is a lot of money that could have been spent elsewhere. 

Help your pet, your community and Maryland:  Spay/Neuter your pet.