Low Cost Spay or Neuter
Did you know that the Gulf Coast Humane Society offers Low cost Spay and Neutering to the public?
Spay/Neuter fees start at:
Dogs that are 50 lbs. or less
Spay (Female) $55.00
Neuter (Male) $45.00
Fees for dogs will vary according to their weight.
Cats
Spay (Female) $35.00
Neuter (Male) $25.00
No different cost for weight.
Please call 225-0845 for an appointment time.
Spaying or neutering is the best way to help reduce the number of unwanted pets euthanized each year.
Spaying
Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and the uterus from a female dog or cat. Since female pets mature sooner than males, spaying should be done before the first heat cycle. The operation will eliminate heat cycles and might contribute to a longer life for your pet by reducing or eliminating the chance of certain health problems.
If you choose not to spay your female dog or cat, you will have to keep her confined while she's in heat. An unspayed pet has an increased risk of uterine infections, mammary tumors and other health problems. Unspayed females may exhibit unusual behavior and wanderlust during their heat cycles.
Neutering
Neutering of male dogs is the surgical removal of the testicles, also known as castration. Neutering is a relatively safe procedure. It is best to consult with your veterinarian about the best age to neuter your pet. Neutering can help calm your pet, make him less likely to roam and help reduce his risk of developing prostate infections or prostate cancer.
The Myths
Neutering changes a pet's personality. False. While it may decease some aggressiveness, your pet's genetic makeup and the attention and training he receives are the primary factors that shape your pet's personality. Because neutering usually occurs during puberty, the normal sleeping and playfulness behavior changes that occur during this stage of life are attributed to neutering.
Females should have one litter before being spayed. False. Spaying a female dog before her first heat cycle protects against mammary tumors. If the surgery is done later in life, it does not have this same benefit. While there are good reasons to spay early, there is no clinical evidence that supports a behavior change resulting from pregnancy.
Males need not be neutered. False. One unaltered male can sire multiple litters. But in addition to being a responsible pet owner, there a good health reasons to neuter a male pet. IN the male dog, neutering reduces the risk for testicular cancer and other testicular diseases. Urine marking is also reduced. In male cats, neutering can avoid "spraying" behavior and roaming tendencies.