A word about early age spay/neuter

In 1996, the Wisconsin Humane Society developed the early age sterilization program. This means that 100% of the adoption animals, including young puppies and kittens, are spayed or neutered before being adopted into new, loving homes.

Early age neutering is not a new concept. Research shows that in the early 1900's veterinarians advocated spaying females prior to weaning and neutering dogs as early as four weeks old. In July of 1993, a resolution was passed by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) stating support of early (8-16 weeks of age) ovariohysterectomies (spays) and gonadectomies (neuters) in dogs and cats, in an effort to end overpopulation. This practice is also approved by the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.

An article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, September 1993 issue, states that work has been done in Bradenton, Florida and Medford, Oregon for more than 25 years. Thus far, no long-term negative side effects from early age spay/neuter surgery have been found.

Spaying and neutering young, healthy kittens and puppies is a growing trend that has been endorsed by major humane organizations like the American Humane Association, the Humane Society of the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Cat Fanciers' Association. Early age spay/neuter ensures the Wisconsin Humane Society that adopted animals will not contribute to animal overpopulation.

BENEFITS OF SPAYING/NEUTERING

There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your dog or cat. The most obvious is the prevention of unwanted litters and the reduction of cat and dog overpopulation. But, there are also numerous health benefits! Spaying your female dog or cat prevents mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male dog or cat prevents testicular tumors and prevents certain diseases of the prostate.

Spaying or neutering your companion animal also can reduce or eliminate certain behavioral problems. Spaying your female cat will prevent the vocalization and urine spraying associated with going into heat. Neutering also reduces the incidence of urine spraying in male cats. Neutered male dogs will be less likely to roam and less aggressive toward other male dogs.

Sterilization of your dog or cat does not cause a personality change. If you have an exuberant, active animal, this will not change with the surgery. With proper feeding and exercise, your companion animal will not become overweight.

Last year, the Wisconsin Humane Society spayed or neutered thousands of animals prior to adoption. While we are doing our part to end the tragedy of overpopulation, we need your help. Please have your dog or cat spayed or neutered and encourage your friends and relatives to do the same!

Apply for SNAP, our spay/neuter assistance program, which provides subsidized spay/neuter services for animals from households with qualifying incomes.