Spaying and neutering is about the big picture. While the short and long term benefits may seem obvious to you, it may not be the same case for a friend, family member, or neighbor. At TCAP, we believe that spaying and neutering is the most humane way to combat animal overpopulation. However, we recognize that we first have to pass that belief on to others before we will begin to see true results. Today we will discuss a few tips we find helpful in the discussion with someone who is unconvinced to sterilize their pet.
Common Myths
There are some commonly held beliefs about spay and neuter that delay or dissuade pet owners from getting their pets spayed and neutered. Being educated on what these myths are and how to overcome them through discussion will help you convey the importance of pet sterilization. In a previous blog we discussed what the common myths are and why they miss the mark. Check it out to learn more: Common Myths About Spay and Neuter.
Sterilization Saves Lives
According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 2.4 million pets are euthanized in animal shelters each year. This means an animal is euthanized every 13 seconds. Owners who wish to breed their pet or simply don’t want to alter their pet are directly contributing to this number. Many people who feel this way have not seen the big picture, but you will find that revealing this information to them in a respectful manner may help convince them to alter their pets. For more in depth information about how sterilization can save lives, check out our blog post where we took a look at the implications of living in A World Without Spay and Neuter.
In-home Benefits
If disproving common myths and showing them the big picture are ineffective, you can always make an appeal supporting the benefits of spay and neuter for individual pets and their owners. If neutered, male pets show a reduction in testosterone. This greatly reduces their desire to mark their territory as well as roam (escape) and search for a mate. A female pet will no longer go into heat cycles. This ends the need to clean up occasional blood spots that inevitably end up on the furniture and floors. Spaying also ends the midnight yowling from your female cat.
Perhaps the only barrier that your friend or family member faces is that they believe that spaying and neutering is too expensive, however, that is where TCAP comes in to help. Our spays and neuters range from just $20-$65. As a non-profit, TCAP strives to make essential pet care affordable throughout DFW. TCAP’s prices are, on average, 70-80% less than what traditional veterinary clinics charge. TCAP contracts licensed veterinarians who have extensive surgical experience and are well-versed in preventative animal care. We also employ experienced and caring veterinary technicians who work alongside and support our veterinary team during their surgery sessions. Our compassionate employees and our amazing shelter and rescue partners throughout North Texas help us in the fight against euthanasia in our area shelters. To learn more about TCAP’s Spay and Neuter Program visit: https://texasforthem.org/services/spay-neuter/