Feral (wild) cats are a serious problem in the U.S. Cats can breed very fast so they should be altered as soon as possible.

No. Any animal that is released from the Sundance Ranch must be spayed or neutered under New Mexico law.

There has been much controversy over the age of spaying (female) and neutering (male). Generally, as soon as the vaccination series is completed approximately at 4 months of age it is recommended to spay or neuter. It is always recommended to spay/neuter your pet before sexual maturity as this decreases the incidence of mammary cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and many other diseases. Dr.

There are many factors to consider in selecting the correct time to spay or neuter your pet. Most veterinarians will suggest doing it shortly after the completion of puppy vaccines, which is around five months of age. In the case of male pets it may be an especially good idea to neuter them at this time before they develop bad habits, such as aggression.

Spaying a dog or cat before their first heat cycle virtually eliminates the possibility of the pet getting breast cancer. Neutering will limit the possibility of the pet getting testicular cancer and greatly cut down on prostate problems. Spaying and neutering sterilizes the animal and thus reduces unwanted litters. It also may reduce undesirable behaviors such as spraying, marking, straying, aggression towards other animals and mating behaviors.

Spayed/neutered cats live longer and are healthier. The possibility of ovarian and uterine cancer is eliminated in female cats and the possibility of testicular cancer and prostate disease is eliminated in the males. Spayed/neutered cats tend to be more calm and friendly, and make better companions when they’re not driven by hormones. Millions of unwanted and homeless kittens and cats are euthanized in the United States every year.

Spaying or neutering can be done any time after 4 months of age. We recommend having the procedure done BEFORE 6 months of age if possible. Your cat is given a physical exam prior to surgery by our doctor to help determine whether your cat is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are recommended at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

Yes, to prevent unwanted strays and curb over-population. There are County programs available for free.

Spaying or neutering your puppy can not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but can also prevent some health problems later in life. It is recommended that females be spayed before their first heat cycle (which usually occurs at around 6 months of age). Males should also be neutered in the first 6 months.

If your dog was not previously licensed you will need to get an Unaltered Dog Permit. The cost is $50. This provision of the ordinance will become effective April 5, 2007. We strongly recommend that you spay or neuter your dog if you are not a breeder, or involved in other activities that would dissuade you from doing so. If you are in your own yard with your puppy or dog the animals should either be confined in a secure enclosure or accompanied by the owner and under his/her direct control.

A6. Yes, all are spayed or neutered before adoption, unless there is a medical reason not to (cancer, or age). Any puppies too young for the procedure will be adopted out with a stipulation in the adoption contract that it will be done at the proper age. We will do a follow-up with the adopter to be sure this is taken care of. The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability.

The American Humane Society estimates that more than 15,000,000 healthy, friendly dogs and cats will be euthanized this year simply because they are "unwanted." The only way to reduce the number of euthanizations is to reduce the number being born. A significant number of "pure breed" animals are euthanized in shelters every year. Providing intact animals to back yard breeders would only increase this number.

Yes. Both male and female ferrets have a very strong odor while in heat. Male ferrets will become very aggressive to other ferrets, to the point of injuring or even killing other ferrets. Female ferrets, if not bred every year, will develop aplastic anemia, and will die. Breeding is very difficult and not recommended. First time mothers will not always take care of their kits, and another nursing mother needs to be willing to take care of the kits. No.

If you are adopting a new pet, the answer is NO -- every animal must be sterilized before the animal is adopted to a new owner. There are certain very limited medical exceptions, but please assume that your new pet will be sterilized before you can take the animal home. This is shelter policy.

The SPCA of Central Florida firmly believes that in order to end pet over population, we must do our best to control the problem. For every person that is born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are born. There are too many animals and not enough homes! Every adopted pet and will be spayed/neutered before it leaves for its new home.