Pet Population Overload

There are 6-8 million cats and dogs in need of a home across America. While puppies and kittens are ultra-adorable, communities spend millions every year to help keep the population under control. Keeping the pet population in check helps support the local wildlife and bird population as well!

Shelters will often spay/neuter your pet before it comes home with you--in fact many require it. Spaying/neutering has great benefits for both you and your pet. 

When is the Right Time?

Consulting with your veterinarian will give you the best idea of when the surgery (and what kind) is right for your pet. The easiest time to spay/neuter is when the pet is young to reduce complications during surgery. Many vets will offer bloodwork to provide more insight into what kind of treatment your pet needs during surgery.

Cats can often be spayed as young as 8 weeks, while dogs often need to wait until at least 6 months.

Surgery can be expensive and there are low-cost programs in place to help pet parents provide their animal with great care!

The Oregon Spay and Neuter Fund works with Vets all over Oregon to provide these services for both dogs and cats.

The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon works tirelessly to capture, spay, and release feral cats across the state. They also provide low-cost spay/neuter services (for cats only) as well as low-cost vaccines for pet cats. 

The PAW (Portland Animal Welfare) Team provides vital veterinary services for over 1,000 Portland-area families per year, aiding individuals living on the streets, in transitional shelters or government housing, as well as those facing temporary financial hardship that restricts their access to medical care for their pets. Click here to learn more about their spay/neuter program for pets that belong to houseless individuals. 

Improve Your Pet's Health

Spaying or neutering your pet has tremendous health benefits for them

• Lowers their risk of certain types of cancer
• Can stop pyometra and UTI's from developing
• Helps prevent tumors, particularly in female animals
• Curbs prostate problems

On average spayed/neutered pets live 20% longer!

There are behavioral benefits as well!

• Heat cycles can cause deep discomfort, extra urination, marking, and the distinct howl to attract every other pet in the neighborhood.
  • In the attempt to find a mate during this time, dogs and cats will often roam from their territory.
• Dogs are often calmer and easier to train post-neuter/spay
• Often helps with temperament and affection levels. 

Curb their urge before it even begins by asking your vet when the best time to spay/neuter is. 

Has your pet recently been spayed or neutered or are you preparing for their procedure? Check out our recommended products for helping keep your pet from licking their stiches and that'll help keep them calm for the days following their procedure here. 

Are you considering adopting a new pet into your family? Check out our favorite pet rescue and pet adoption organizations in the Portland Oregon area listed here.