Most cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered at an early age. Town of Islip Animal Shelter can get crowded with unwanted pets that, in many cases, come from accidental or poorly planned breeding. Sadly, many of these pets go unwanted. Responsible pet ownership, coupled with spaying or neutering your animals, helps prevent this circumstance.

Spaying or neutering contributes to a longer, healthier life for your pet.

Spaying your pet before her first estrous cycle (that is before she reaches sexual maturity) greatly reduces her chances of developing breast cancer and helps to eliminate the threat of uterine or ovarian cancer and uterine infection – common occurrences in unaltered females.

Neutering your male cat or dog may prevent testicular tumors and may prevent prostate problems. Neutering also decreases the possibility of perianal tumors and hernias, which are commonly observed in older, unaltered dogs. Because neutered cats are less likely to roam, the threat of abscesses (caused by bites) and disease transmitted by fighting are greatly reduced.

You are helping to mitigate the cat and dog overpopulation problem.

An altered cat or dog is a better pet for your family.

Spaying stops your pet from giving birth to unwanted kittens or puppies.

Males neutered early are less aggressive toward other males and are not distracted by females in heat. A neutered male will be less tempted to leave your property and cross that dangerous street searching for a mate. Did you know that neutered males are also less likely to mark territory with their urine?

Spaying your female pet eliminates the problem of males pets casing your property. It also decreases her desire to roam and breed.