Here’s Why Should You Spay and Neuter Your Pets

If you’re wondering why you should spay or neuter your pet, the quick answer is simple: It’s better for their health and helps keep pet overpopulation in check. From busting stubborn myths to health benefits, this guide will explain why spaying or neutering isn’t just a good idea — it’s a win-win for your pet and those in need.

Why spay and neuter pets?

Spaying and neutering come with some serious perks — better health, improved behavior, and less stress for you. But the benefits don’t stop there. Each year, an estimated 6.5 million dogs and cats end up in U.S. shelters and rescues, many because of accidental litters or surrenders. By taking this step for your pet, you’re not only giving them a healthier, happier life — you’re also helping reduce the number of homeless animals. It’s a simple way to make a big difference.

Here are some of the best reasons why you should spay or neuter your dog or cat.

1. Your pet will be happier

Spaying or neutering is one of the kindest ways to support your pet’s well-being. For males, it can curb the urge to fight with other pets or constantly pester females. (Let’s be honest — no one loves that energy.) And for females, avoiding heat cycles means fewer hormonal swings that can lead to erratic or even aggressive behavior.

Samantha Gehrmann / Stocksy/

2. You will be happier

Spaying or neutering can make a big difference in keeping pets in their forever homes. It reduces undesirable behaviors, such as aggression and marking indoors — issues that sadly result in many pets being surrendered or rehomed. “Multiple studies have shown that unsterilized pets are more likely to be abandoned at shelters than those who were [spayed or neutered],” Dr. L.F. Carver, a multidisciplinary health researcher at Queen’s University, says.

3. Your pet will be healthier

In females, spaying helps prevent uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Females spayed before their first heat (between four and five months old) are the healthiest, but it helps at any age. For males, especially if done before six months of age, it prevents testicular cancer and prostate problems.

4. Your pet will live longer

Because they live healthier lives, spayed and neutered pets have a significantly longer average lifespan. One study revealed that spaying and neutering extended the life expectancy of male dogs by 13 percent and female dogs by 26 percent.

5. Your pet won’t go into heat

Spaying your pet saves you from a whole lot of mess and noise. Female cats in heat can yowl endlessly and leave strong-smelling urine marks everywhere (yes, even in your house) every three weeks for three to 10 days during the breeding season. As for female dogs, they may bleed and act unpredictably up to three times a year for up to 10 days — sometimes being overly friendly, sometimes reserved, or even aggressive. On top of that, pets in heat can attract uninvited males from miles away.

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6. Your pet is less likely to roam

Strong hormones drive un-neutered male pets to mate. They will often turn into escape artists to get out of their homes or yards, especially if there is a female in heat nearby or even miles away.

7. Marking and humping will be reduced or eliminated

Marking behavior tends to decrease for both dogs and cats, especially in males. “Pets may be better behaved and show a decrease in mounting behavior, the marking of territory with urine, and inter-male hormone-related aggression,” Dr. Andrea Peda, DVM, assistant professor at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, says. Bonus: Male dogs are much less likely to hump other dogs (or people’s legs) and even your couch cushions.

Males neutered at a young age are far less likely to develop dominance or aggression-related behavior problems, including possession and food guarding, territory marking (lifting their leg on everything in sight), and aggression toward other dogs.

8. It will save you money

Neutered pets have fewer health problems, so vet bills are lower. They are less likely to bite, avoiding potential costly lawsuits (80 percent of dog bites to humans are from intact male dogs). They are less likely to try to escape and do damage to your home or yard, or cause a car accident.

Veera / Shutterstock/

9. You are saving pet lives

The reality is that pet overpopulation is a problem everywhere. “Choosing to spay or neuter our pets is the best way to prevent overpopulation — and the associated suffering among these animals who collectively contribute so much to human well-being,” Dr. Carver says.

10. Accidents happen

Don’t let your pet escape and cause yet one more accidental litter. If you think that just having one or two litters won’t hurt anybody, this fact should change your mind: According to the Humane Society of the United States, 10,000 babies are born in the U.S. on any given day. On that same day, however, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. Match up those two statistics, and you'll see that there will never be enough homes for all the animals born in this country unless we all take responsibility for spaying and neutering our pets. And that change begins with you.

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Spay and neuter resources

• SpayUSA: SpayUSA is run by North Shore Animal League America. This is a nationwide network of more than 1,000 affordable sterilization programs and clinics with 7,000 veterinarians.

• California: Joybound People & Pets’ “Spay/Neuter Resources” page offers a compiled list of free and low‑cost spay and neuter services, searchable databases, and financial assistance links.

• Georgia: Georgia SPOT Society outlines low‑cost spay-neuter clinics and assistance for guardians who need help.

• Indiana: Pet Friendly Services offers a SNAP certificate program for low‑income pet parents to get discounted spaying or neutering via participating vets.

• Kentucky: HOPE Spay Neuter Clinic provides a statewide list of spay-neuter resources (vouchers, sliding scale) for all counties.

• Colorado: NoCo Humane provides a list of affordable spay-neuter clinics for guardians needing financial help.

Commonly asked questions

What is the best age to spay or neuter a pet?

Most vets recommend spaying or neutering your pet when they’re around four to six months old, before sexual maturity. Some shelters and vets may do this a little earlier — sometimes as young as eight weeks — especially for cats. For certain large-breed dogs, vets sometimes suggest waiting a little longer to reduce the risk of certain growth or joint conditions. That said, waiting carries the risk of accidental litters or unwanted behaviors. So if your pet isn’t already spayed or neutered, it’s a trade-off you’ll want to discuss with your vet.

Can I get my cat spayed for free?

Yes, sometimes you can get a cat spayed for free. Lots of animal shelters, rescue groups, and municipal programs run low-cost or free spay-neuter clinics. Availability depends on your city or county, but it’s definitely worth checking with local shelters or on animal control websites. Find local shelters and rescues near you.

What if I can’t afford vet fees?

Don’t panic. There are options available to you if vet fees feel out of reach. Many nonprofit clinics and shelters offer sliding-scale or discounted rates, and CareCredit financing can help break up the cost. Some vets also participate in community assistance programs, so it never hurts to ask. You can even track down free or super cheap spay-and-neuter programs in your area to make it easier to find one nearby. Find local shelters and rescues near you.

References

ASPCA. “Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/top-10-reasons-spay-or-neuter-your-pet.

Humane Society of the United States. “Spay/Neuter Myths and Facts.” Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/spay_neuter_myths_facts.html.

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. “Why Spay and Neuter Your Pets.” Ross University Veterinary Blog, veterinary.rossu.edu/about/blog/why-spay-and-neuter-pets.

Spay Neuter Vets. “Why Neutering Your Dogs Might Just Be the Best Decision.” Spay Neuter Vets Blog, www.spayneutervets.com/blog/why-neutering-your-dogs-might-just-be-the-best-decision.