It’s February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month! If your pet is not already spayed or neutered, here is a list of reasons why you should consider scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Reduces risks of cancers

Unaltered pets (pets that are not spayed or neutered) are more at risk of getting ovarian, mammary, or testicular cancers.

Reduces unwanted behaviors

Unaltered pets, male dogs and cats especially, display more unwanted behaviors than altered pets, such as spraying, marking, yowling, and more. 

Increases life span

Of course, spaying or neutering your pet will not only reduce their risks to getting certain cancers, but will also reduce their chances of getting certain infections and prostate problems!

Reduces roaming

Pets that are not fixed (spayed or neutered) are more likely to try and escape to look for a mate, which can also put them at risk of getting hit by vehicles or put in danger.

Decreases pet overpopulation

El Paso Animal Services brings in and cares for more than 25,000 pets every year. Imagine if just one unspayed female cat can have approximately 25 kittens in a single year, and those kittens can also have 25 kittens in a year, then that leaves shelters with an overwhelming number of cats to care for. Unfortunately, many unwanted litters are either abandoned by their owners or worse, which is why preventing overpopulation is critical in protecting cats’ and dogs’ lives.

How can I help?

Friends of El Paso Animal Services, the El Paso Community Foundation, and El Paso Animal Services are teaming up to host its second-annual Spay-A-Thon this coming March by bringing in a team of veterinary professionals from outside Texas to assist with the three-day event. Spaying and neutering directly reduces overpopulation in our community and this event alone can prevent the birth of roughly 2,000 additional animals. By sponsoring even one surgery ($100), you can help keep hundreds of animals off the street in the future. 

Friends of EPAS has launched their ‘Cuter to Neuter’ Spay-A-Thon Fundraiser to raise $35,000 to fund 350 spay and neuter surgeries this spring. If you’d like to make a difference in the overpopulation in our community, head to their website to make a lifesaving gift.  

If your pet is not already spayed or neutered, and you’re looking for a veterinarian in El Paso that can help, visit our friends at www.EPVMA.org to find a vet in your area!