By The NCVMA

According to the American Humane Society, approximately 3.7 million animals are euthanized at shelters each year, since there are not enough willing adopters. By spaying or neutering your pets, you can ensure that you are not adding to this sad statistic.

Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. However, statistics show that the cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year.

Spaying or neutering can prevent unwanted births, as well as reduce risks of disease and behavioral problems in your pet. These medical conditions include testicular, ovarian, and uterine cancers or infections, to which some breeds of cats and dogs are genetically predisposed. The same goes for behavioral problems, such as roaming or territorial urine marking.

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about spaying or neutering.

– Why should non-pet owners be concerned about pet spaying or neutering? There are about 5,000 independent community animal shelters nationwide, and no national organization monitors these shelters. It takes hundreds of millions of dollars each year to run these shelters, including administration costs, salaries for animal control officers, and general operations costs. All of us pay for these costs through taxation and private donations, so regardless of whether or not you own a pet, as a citizen, you end up helping to shoulder the burden of shelter costs.

– How does spaying or neutering affect pet personalities? A spayed or neutered pet is less likely to run away and get injured. Males that are neutered early in life are less likely to exhibit unwanted dominant behaviors. Spayed females can avoid a potentially messy "heat" cycle and do not attract non-neutered males to your home. Altered pets are usually less aggressive toward other animals, are less likely to urine mark, and generally have calmer, more well-adjusted personalities.

– When should you have your pet spayed or neutered? Most veterinarians recommend that animals be spayed or neutered when they are between eight weeks and six months old. Cats should be spayed or neutered when they are between three and six months old. However, the decision of when to spay or neuter ultimately depends on the health of the pet to be surgically altered, so check with your veterinarian regarding your individual pet.

– How can you help your pet recover after the surgery? After the procedure, your veterinarian will provide you with post operative instructions for at-home care, as well as pain control for any minor discomfort following the surgery. Although this is a surgical procedure, recovery is generally rapid and comfortable, especially for young animals. While your pet is recovering, look for swelling or pus around its surgical cut. Your vet will let you know what to watch for as far as unhealthy tissue or infections. Your pet will most likely be sent home with a cone around its neck to keep the animal from licking or biting the surgical area. The cone should remain until the animal's stitches are removed several days after the surgery.

– What are the ethical reasons for spaying or neutering? If a pet will never be used for breeding, you can make the ethical argument that it will lead a healthier, happier, and calmer existence if it is spayed or neutered. Certainly this stance is far preferable morally to the obscene euthanization number quoted at the beginning of this article, or the homelessness and misery an abandoned animal may suffer. Many animals are abandoned to their fates at shelters for health reasons, especially if they have been born with genetically transmitted diseases, such as canine hip dysplasia or hypothyroidism. Other common health problems among pets may include diabetes, von Willebrand disease, and progressive retinal atrophy. Pets with these diseases should not be allowed to reproduce and weaken existing populations.

Some breeders do not follow ethical or humane practices. These are often considered to be puppy mills and the conditions at these facilities can be reprehensible. If you choose to purchase an animal from a breeder, inspect their facility and ask for references from clients and their veterinarian.

Some people believe it is a worthwhile educational experience to allow their children to observe a dog or cat giving birth, but most animals are secretive and give birth in the middle of the night away from the family. Most families are not equipped to handle medical complications during the birthing process as well, which can be expensive to manage and put the female pet's life at risk, as well as those of her offspring.

A few pet owners try to breed their pets because they want a puppy or kitten just like the adult parent. However, breeding is a science, and there are always surprises in store for both non-professional and professional breeders. Rarely are offspring exact duplicates of one of the parents.

The NCVMA and its members care deeply about animals, and we encourage you to show your love for your pets by having them spayed or neutered. Always consult with your veterinarian about the most appropriate medical needs for your individual four-legged family member.

The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA) is a professional organization of veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine. For more information, visit www.ncvma.org, follow us on Twitter at @NCVMA, or call 800-446-2862 or 919-851-5850.