Why Spaying and Neutering Your Pets Is So Important

Let’s talk about something that truly saves lives: spaying and neutering your pets. While great strides have been made in reducing pet overpopulation, millions of unwanted dogs and cats still enter shelters—or worse, are euthanized—each year. That includes litters of adorable but unplanned puppies and kittens.

The good news? You can help. Choosing to spay or neuter your pet prevents unwanted litters and gives your pet the chance at a longer, healthier life. It’s one simple choice with a big impact.

What Happens If You Don’t Spay or Neuter?

Choosing not to spay or neuter your pet can lead to:

• Unwanted litters

• Preventable health issues

• Increased pet overpopulation

Many puppies and kittens from unplanned litters end up homeless, surrendered to shelters, or left to survive on the streets. Unfortunately, around 2.7 million animals are euthanized in shelters each year, or live out their lives without a family to love and care for them.

The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering can significantly improve your pet’s overall health and behavior. These procedures help prevent medical and behavioral issues like:

•  Uterine infections

• Certain types of cancer

• Can reduce behavioral issues such as aggression and territory marking.

Fixed pets tend to live longer, healthier lives—and you’ll avoid unexpected costs related to pregnancy and caring for litters. It’s important to remember that dogs, cats, and even some other pets can benefit from being spayed or neutered!

When and How to Spay or Neuter Your Pet:

Dogs are typically spayed or neutered between 6 and 9 months of age, while kittens can be safely fixed as early as 4 months of age to prevent early pregnancies.

While it’s important for pets to be vaccinated, they don’t need to be up to date before surgery—we can administer any necessary vaccines at the time of their spay/neuter appointment at the Bredel Clinic.

Worried About the Cost? We’re Here to Help!

We know that cost can be a concern—but you’re not alone, and HART is here to support you. To help reduce the number of healthy animals euthanized each year and ease shelter overcrowding, our Bredel Clinic offers three programs to make spay/neuter surgeries more affordable or even free.

• HART Help: HART Help is our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program for residents of Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Designed for income-qualified pet owners, this program provides reduced-cost surgeries for dogs and cats. Click here to learn more and see if you qualify!

• Lifesaver Program: Funded by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, this program offers free spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations for up to six pets per household for income-qualified Maryland residents. Click here to view qualifications and learn more.

• Macy’s Fund: Created in memory of Macy Dawson, a beloved HART staff member who cared deeply for animals, this program provides free spay/neuter surgeries for barn or community cats that are 6 months and older. This program is available to Garrett County residents who need help managing outdoor cat populations. Click here to learn more.

To schedule a surgery, call the HART Animal Center at 301-387-7729. For additional information on HART, the HART Animal Center, or any of our programs, or to donate, visit the HART website at www.hartforanimals.org or become part of the HART for Animals community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HARTforAnimals.