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Why Spay or Neuter my Pet? Pet overpopulation is a problem reaching... crisis proportions in this country. Nationally, about 2,000 puppies and 3,500 kittens are born every hour. Compared to the human birthrate of 10,000 per day, animals are ahead 10 to 1. Each year between 8 and 10 million animals turned in to shelters are killed, simply because there are not enough good homes for them all. Consider the statistics for Camden County. In 1996, 2721 animals were turned in to the shelter, either by the public or brought in by animal control. Of that number, roughly 500 were either reclaimed by an owner, or adopted to a loving home. More than 2200 animals were put to death for lack of a good home, or because they were in an unadoptable condition. Although our numbers are statistically decreasing and we try very hard to find homes for our animals, we must still euthanize animals every day. The only way to curb this death toll is to reduce the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. Most see the obvious benefits of spaying or neutering - reducing unwanted litters- but many do not know the medical and behavioral benefits for their pet. Medical benefits include the reduction of certain diseases, such as; prostate problems (for males) testicular tumors breast tumors, or cancer pyometria (a life threatening uterine infection) Behavioral benefits include the reduction of (not always the elimination of) the following annoying, embarrassing, or costly habits; mounting furniture, (or people's legs) marking territory by spraying (male cats do this, females less frequently) aggression against other animals the desire to roam and fight A male can sense or smell a female in estrus ( or in 'heat' ) for up to five miles and may break down doors, jump fences, break chains, or dig under fences to go search for her. By eliminating most roaming and fighting, having your pet altered reduces the risk of injury, saving you expensive visits to the vet. Having your pet altered is a relatively safe and painless operation performed by a licensed veterinarian. As a pet owner, your first responsibility to that pet is its care and control. By altering your pet you increase its chances of living a long and healthy life, you save yourself a great deal of potential trouble and cost, and make your pet a more content and desirable family member.