Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. You might think that these are animals born in the streets or there is something "wrong" with them. But often they are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone's dog or cat got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed.

Still the result is homeless animals that have to be euthanized because there are more dogs and cats entering shelters than there are people willing to provide them with loving care. Even if you do find homes for your pet's puppies or kittens, that means there are fewer homes available to take in other pets from shelters.

BENEFITS OF SPAYING AND NEUTERING:

• Spayed and neutered pets are better, more affectionate, companions.
• They are less likely to spray or mark their territory.
• It eliminates the heat cycle in female pets.
• They are less likely to bite.
• They live longer, healthier lives.
• They are less likely to roam or fight.
• Communities spend millions of dollars to control and eliminate unwanted animals. Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.

Statistics show that for every one human born, four dogs and four cats are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals, and pets will be euthanized every day throughout the world.

Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.