Why Spaying and Neutering Matters

You’ve likely heard us—and many other animal welfare organizations—talk about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. But what exactly does that mean, and why does it matter for your pet, your community, and your local shelter?

What is Spay/Neuter?

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that prevent pets from reproducing.

• Spaying refers to the removal of a female animal’s uterus and ovaries.

• Neutering refers to the removal of a male animal’s testicles.

You may also hear these procedures referred to as “fixing,” “altering,” castration, or ovariohysterectomy.

During the procedure, animals are placed under anesthesia while a licensed veterinarian performs the surgery. As with any surgical procedure, there is some level of risk, but for the vast majority of pets the health and behavioral benefits far outweigh the risks. If you have questions about whether the procedure is right for your pet, we always encourage you to consult with your veterinarian.

Why Is It Important for Your Pet?

Spaying or neutering your pet comes with numerous health and behavioral benefits.

Fixed pets are less likely to roam, which helps keep them safe. A male dog can smell a female in heat from up to half a mile away, and male cats may travel up to five miles searching for a mate. This wandering puts pets at risk of getting lost, injured, or hit by cars.

On average, pets that are spayed or neutered live longer than those that are not. And of course, we all want more healthy years with our beloved companions.

Spay/neuter surgery can also be a good time to complete other procedures your pet may need, such as hernia repairs or dental work. Combining procedures while your pet is already under anesthesia can often reduce costs and minimize recovery time.

Health Benefits for Dogs

Dogs that are spayed or neutered often experience improvements in both health and behavior.

Fixed dogs are generally calmer and less likely to engage in aggressive behaviors such as fighting or biting. Spaying female dogs also eliminates heat cycles, which typically occur one to two times per year.

The procedure also prevents several serious medical conditions, including:

• Ovarian cancer

• Uterine cancer

• Testicular cancer

• Pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus

Pyometra occurs when the uterus fills with bacteria and pus. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge, lethargy, vomiting, poor appetite, and increased thirst or urination. Unfortunately, antibiotics alone are not enough to treat this condition, and emergency surgery is often required.

Spaying and neutering also significantly reduce the risk of mammary and prostate cancers, helping pets live healthier lives.

Health and Behavior Benefits for Cats

Unaltered cats often fight over territory and mates, which can create problems for both pet owners and neighbors. During mating season, cats may display a wide range of behaviors including:

• Loud, persistent yowling

• Spraying or marking territory (yes—even females!)

• Roaming long distances

Spaying or neutering your cat can dramatically reduce these unwanted behaviors.

Female cats can also go into heat every three weeks from January through November. During these cycles they become very vocal, rub against objects constantly, and often try to escape the home to find a mate.

Spaying completely eliminates these heat cycles, making life calmer for both cats and their owners.

How Spay/Neuter Helps the Entire Community

Spaying and neutering pets doesn’t just benefit individual animals—it helps create a healthier, safer community for everyone.

When pets are not fixed, unplanned litters quickly add to the number of animals without homes. Many of these animals end up roaming neighborhoods, which can lead to fights, noise complaints, property damage, and safety concerns.

Reducing the number of stray animals helps:

• Decrease animals being hit by cars

• Reduce dog and cat fights

• Protect local wildlife

• Prevent the spread of disease among animals

• Minimize nuisance behaviors like spraying, yowling, and roaming

Fewer stray animals also means fewer calls to animal control and fewer emergencies for local responders, which benefits the entire community.

Helping Your Local Shelter

Reducing the number of unwanted litters frees up space and resources at shelters like the Wellington Humane Society.

While puppies and kittens are adorable, they require significant time, staff attention, and medical care, especially those that must be bottle-fed. During peak breeding seasons—typically spring and fall—shelters can become overwhelmed with litters.

When shelters are already full, some unwanted animals are sadly abandoned in town or dumped in rural areas, leaving them vulnerable to harsh weather, disease, and predators.

By spaying and neutering your pets, you help prevent these situations before they begin.

Affordable Spay/Neuter Options in Our Community

To help make this important step accessible for pet owners, the Wellington Humane Society operates a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats in our community.

Our clinic provides safe, professional surgery performed by licensed veterinarians at a price designed to make preventative care more affordable for pet owners. By offering these services locally, we can help more pets receive the care they need while preventing thousands of future unwanted litters.

Appointments fill quickly—especially during peak seasons—so we encourage pet owners to schedule early if their pet has not yet been spayed or neutered.

A Simple Step That Saves Lives

Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to improve your pet’s health, reduce unwanted behaviors, and protect animals in our community.

Every pet that is fixed helps prevent future litters and reduces the number of animals entering shelters.

It’s a simple step that creates a healthier life for your pet, a stronger community, and a safer future for animals.