Spay & Neuter

Each year, 6-8 million dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens are left at animal shelters around the country. Some are lost, some are abandoned, some are unwanted; most are the result of irresponsible pet ownership. 3-4 million of those animals are euthanized because there aren’t enough homes for them all.

Where can I get my animal spayed or neutered?

  • Your veterinarian may be able to work out special financing options for you. Remember that, even if you pay full price for the procedure, spaying or neutering is a one-time cost with a lifetime of benefits.
  • Call (919) 560-0640 ext. 8 to speak with an Adoption Counselor at APS. We will be able to help you find an option for spay/neuter to work for you. We have many resources to share with you and offer special voucher programs often throughout the year.
  • SNAP-NC (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina) is a non-profit mobile surgery group committed to addressing companion animal overpopulation issues in our state. Call (919) 783- SNAP (7627) or visit their website at: www.snap-nc.org

Good for Your Pet

  • Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or  ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer,  particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle   (“heat”).
  • Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases  the incidence of prostate disease.
  • Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
  • Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle.
  • Spaying and neutering makes pets less likely to bite.
  • Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the  neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.

Good for the Community

  • Communities spend millions of dollars to control  unwanted animals.
  • Unwanted, roaming dogs contribute to the problem of bites and attacks.
  • Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
  • Stray pets and homeless animals may create a nuisance, getting into trash, leaving waste etc.
  • Stray cats may scare away or kill birds and wildlife.

Spay & Neuter Myths and Facts

My pet will get fat and lazy.

The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don’t give them enough exercise.

It’s better to have one litter first

Medical evidence indicates just the opposite: females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.

But my pet is a purebred

So are at least 1 of every 4 animals that end up in animal shelters around the country.

I want my dog to be protective

Spaying and neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instincts to protect its home and family.

My children should experience the miracle of birth

The lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults.

It’s too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered

Low cost options are available.

I’ll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens

You may find homes for all of your pet’s litter, but each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters. Also, if your pet’s offspring are also unaltered, they may eventually have litters of their own, adding even more animals to the population.

Please help the pet overpopulation problem by spaying and neutering your companion animals!!