Few things can put a smile on our faces like a cuddly litter of puppies or kittens. Unfortunately, pet overpopulation is a heartbreaking problem. The Humane Society estimates that there are more than 3 million homeless pets in the U.S., and almost - 2.7 million - are euthanized each year.

Pet lovers know that spaying or neutering is the responsible thing to do, but there is another good reason to spay or neuter your pets: They will live healthier lives! A 2013 study found that dogs living in the U.S states with the highest rates of spaying/neutering also live the longest, with neutered males living 18% longer and spayed females living 23% longer than unspayed/unneutered dogs.

Female dogs and cats spayed before their first heat cycle are typically healthier than those that aren't spayed. Spaying reduces her risk of uterine infections including pyometra, uterine cancer, and breast cancer, which can be fatal. Neutering male dogs and cats can help prevent testicular cancer. It will also make him less likely to roam, less aggressive, and better behaved in general than an intact male. Unneutered males are more likely to visit our hospital after being hit by a car, injured in a fight with another male, or after contracting other diseases such as injuries associated with roaming,

As long as you feed proper portions and provide exercise, your pet will not gain weight after spaying or neutering! Spaying and neutering cats and dogs requires only a short hospitalization and offer lifelong health benefits.