Instructions
Hit them with the sad truth: six to eight million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Of those 6 to 8 million, 3 to 4 million are destroyed.
Let them know these staggering statistics: One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years. One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years. That's a whole lot of dogs and cats running around, and just not enough people who will want to care for them.
Tell them that spaying a female cat or dog will greatly reduce the risks of urinary tract infections and ovarian, breast and uterine cancers. Neutering a male cat or dog reduces the risk and severity of prostate problems, as well as lowers the risk of perineal hernias and prostate and testicular cancers. Rabbits are also healthier and live longer when they are spayed or neutered.
Point out that dogs and cats that are neutered at a young age are less likely to have the desire to escape and roam. Studies have also shown it can reduce aggression in males and makes them more sociable.
Let them know that neutering greatly decreases the tendency to spray or mark territory with urine. Also, by spaying their female pet they will avoid the messy experience of their pet going into heat, not to mention spare them of having to fight off male suitors.
Tell them their pet won't become "fat and lazy" after being neutered. That's another misconception; overfeeding and lack of exercise will make a pet "fat and lazy."
Inform them that neutering won't deprive their dog of a sex life. Dogs and cats have sex strictly to satisfy hormone-induced instincts, not for pleasure. Additionally, male pets won't feel emasculated after being neutered; that is a human trait.
Tell them that spaying/neutering is considered a short, safe and relatively routine surgery performed under general anesthesia. Most pets have a complete recovery within 24 to 48 hours.
Let them know there are low-cost spay/neuter clinics throughout the United States. They can check online for locations in their area. Additionally, various city/county shelters and local animal rescue organizations issue vouchers for free or low-cost spaying/neutering to qualifying pet owners based on factors such as income, breed of dog or size of dog (for example, vouchers are sometimes issued for pit bulls and larger dogs as an incentive to adopt them ). There are also free spay/neuter mobile clinics for pet owners who qualify.
Explain to them that given the above factors, there is no logical reason to not spay or neuter their pet. And if breeding for profit is what they're after, suggest to them that with today's economy it's probably not a wise idea anyway. Not to mention an irresponsible one, considering all of the innocent animals that end up homeless and are destroyed in overcrowded shelters.
How to Educate People About Spaying and Neutering
It goes without saying; the largest contributor to pet overpopulation is the overabundance of un-neutered cats and dogs. This is why spaying and neutering is essential--aside from the fact that neutered pets live longer, happier and healthier lives. Often times, however, a lack of education and misconceptions about this procedure are what stand in the way of people spaying/neutering their pets. In this article I will focus on ways for you to stress the benefits of neutering to your friends, neighbors, family--and anyone you encounter who has pets.