If you wonder why pet rescue supporters are so adamant that pet owners should spay or neuter their pets, just look at your local shelter’s list of adoptable animals. Without doubt, you’ll see many puppies and kittens there, most of whom were probably born in the shelter or in a volunteer foster’s home.
Many pregnant animals are dumped at shelters because their owners cannot afford to or simply don’t want to take care of them and find homes for the newborns. Even if you keep your pet indoors, there is always a risk that your pet will get out, especially if they have the opportunity to mate. Given the size of most canine and feline litters, spaying and neutering is the only way to keep pet populations under control.
Some people express concerns about health risks. There are plenty of old wives’ tales that say that a dog needs to throw a litter before being spayed, or that spaying and neutering will change your pet’s personality. If you have concerns, always go to your veterinarian first. The fact is, spaying and neutering is very safe. Altered dogs actually tend to have fewer health risks than unaltered ones. And the only effect you’ll usually see on your dog’s personality is a reduction in certain negative behaviors, such as marking.
If the cost of surgery is a concern, most areas have organizations that will spay or neuter animals for free or at a minimal price. In the Kansas City area, Spay Neuter KC offers low-cost surgeries, vaccinations, and preventive care. If someone still cannot afford to alter their animal, they do have some financial assistance available on an application basis.
If your area has an awesome program to help people get their pets fixed, feel free to tell us all about it in the comments!
3 Mutts and a Corgi 
Amazing so many people still do not spay and neuter their pets.
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In many parts of our area, pets have to be spayed or neutered by law. But it’s nearly impossible for the police to enforce, because they’re already spread thin. Backyard breeding is a huge problem here.
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Our dog was ESN- early spay neutered, something that is done by the breeder to keep breeding down and prices up… I would prefer her to have had a little time to mature, as she was done at 6 weeks. As a general note, cancers of the mammary glands are many fewer if they are spayed before a first season, BUT if they have been born with a condition called an inverted vulva (where the labia have not fully matured enough to emerge out of the body) then a first season is vital, as when they swell at first season the labia will pop out and then you can have them spayed. With them partially inside, infections are more likely due to a little fold around that retains urine. But you can easily check your bitch does not have this before you get them spayed. The back yard breeding or puppy farming as it is called here causes so much suffering. ~Liz http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com
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I’ve heard of that condition in puppies. As you say, it is rare, thankfully. Most dogs will have been seen by a vet at least for their shots prior to spay/neuter surgery, so conditions like that would generally be caught ahead of time. Just another reminder of how important those early check-ups are!
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My last several pets have been neutered. When I couldn’t afford to, I made sure to keep them where they couldn’t get out to breed or be bred. It’s possible to be a responsible pet owner without spaying or neutering but I have noticed behavior benefits when it is done.
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