MAKING NEUTERS AFFORDABLE WITH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT!

WHAT A GREAT START TO A NEW PROGRAM!

We are so proud and excited with the success of this new program. So far, we have helped twelve dog owners get their dogs neutered at an affordable rate. We can only do this with help from the community. Our first Neuter Clinics were announced recently, and the demand was overwhelming. We have a clinic scheduled for February 17th and it is already full, bringing the total to 18 dogs neutered in ONE Month.

With the help of some sponsors and the Adirondack Animal Coalition matching sponsor donations, we were able to make this happen.

Thanks to Dr. Kevin Poupore of Malone, an anonymous doner, and Dr. Craig Richards of Malone for their generous donations.

This is how the program works: With a $300 Sponsor Donation you can help neuter 6 Dogs. The Coalition will chip in another $300. The dog owner will pay $50 to $125 max, depending on the weight of the dog. This Is Community Involvement in Action.

The more sponsors we get, the more animals and owners we can help. This is only a start of what we can do together.

We will continue to announce clinic dates as they become available. Contact the Adirondack Animal Coalition 518-729-7292 or 518-651-9510 if you want to become a Sponsor.

Spay and Neuter Information

Spaying and Neutering

What is Spaying & Neutering?

Neutering is a method of removing the reproductive organs of an animal to prevent reproduction. Surgical removal of the reproductive organs is the most common sterilization method.

“Neutering” is a general term for both males and females. “Spaying” refers to the surgery for female animals and “castration” for males. The term “Neutering” is often used instead of “castration” when talking about males.

Spaying involves surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. Castration involves the removal of the testicles.

Surgical spaying & neutering in cats and dogs requires general anesthesia & pain management and is performed by a licensed veterinarian and staff. Your animal's surgery can be affected by other health issues like age or obesity.

What are the Benefits of Spay/Neuter?

Spayed & neutered animals will no longer be able to reproduce and contribute to the overpopulation crisis. Due to this crisis, millions of cats & dogs are euthanized in the United States each year due to a lack of homes and resources. Some other benefits include:

· Spayed and neutered animals tend to live longer, healthier lives than intact animals.

· Significant reduced risk of certain diseases such as breast, ovarian and testicular cancers.

· Potentially reduced behavioral issues such as aggression or urine marking & spraying.

Myths About Spay/Neuter

The Myth: My pet should have a first heat cycle or one litter before spaying.

The Truth: This actually increases the health risks for an animal. Spaying prior to the first heat cycle (typically before 6 months of age for cats & dogs) significantly reduces the risks of breast cancer and eliminates the risks of ovarian, uterine and testicular cancers. Every heat cycle or litter an animal goes through increases their long-term health risks.

The Myth: Spaying & neutering will cause my pet to gain weight.

The Truth: The surgery causes a decrease in the level of certain hormones, which slows down an animal’s metabolism. Most animals become overweight due to a combination of overfeeding, a lack of an appropriate diet and not receiving enough exercise. You should always be watching your animal’s weight and food intake.

The Myth: Having a litter is a good lesson for children.

The Truth: There is already plenty of media available to teach children about this in a more responsible way. Your local animal shelter is already full of animals looking for a home and often these litters contribute to pet overpopulation.

The Myth: Spaying & neutering will change or fix my pet’s behavior.

The Truth: Animal behavior is complicated and while neutering your pet may reduce some undesirable behaviors from the decrease in sex hormones, there is no guarantee that your pet’s behavior will change. The changes in your pet’s behavior are far more dependent on your pet’s personality, physiology, environment, training and health.

The Myth: Neutering my pet will make him feel like less of a male.

The Truth: Cats and dogs do not have a concept of ego or sexual identity. Remaining intact can lead to health and behavioral issues.

When to Spay/Neuter?

In the effort to reduce animal overpopulation and reduce certain health risks, cats and dogs should be spayed & neutered prior to reaching puberty (typically prior to 6 months old). Cats & dogs can still be spayed & neutered as adults, but carry higher risks of surgical complications.

The American Veterinary Medical Association supports pediatric spay/neuter in dogs & cats at least 8-16 weeks of age. More veterinarians are learning about and training in pediatric spay/neuter and you should always consult with your veterinarian regarding the timing of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery.

It is very important that you follow the instructions your veterinarian provides you for before and after your pet’s surgery. Instructions may differ between animals and veterinary clinics due to a number of factors, such as the types of anesthesia used.

Spay Neuter Programs in Your Area

Cats

Focus On Ferals

518-483-8189

Dogs

Adirondack Animal Coalition

518-729-7292 (Call for available programs)

518-651-9510 (Call for available programs)

Pit Bull Spay Neuter Program

518-483-4246

Cats & Dogs

Spay-Neuter-Now

315-486-0094

315-489-0541 www.spayneuternow.org

Sources: www.avma.org; www.cornell.edu; www.aspca.org.

FAQs are Important, but always consult a Vet or a reputable source