Pet overpopulation is a problem faced by communities across the country, and here in Acadiana, the problem has grown to crisis proportions.  Each week, hundreds of animals are euthanized because there simply aren't enough homes for them.  Of the dogs and cats, kittens and puppies that end up in shelters, a small percentage are either adopted or reclaimed by their owners, but the sad fact is that the vast  majority are put to sleep, because there is no room to house them.

   There is a solution to this problem, but it's up to us as pet owners.  Spaying and neutering your pets will not only stop the problem of pet overpopulation, it will also mean a longer, healthier life for your pet.

   Here are the top three reasons to spay or neuter your pet, according to SPAY-USA.

1) It helps to reduce companion animal overpopulation.  In the United States, there is a surplus of millions of pets, meaning millions more pets than homes available.  Cats are 45 times as prolific, and dogs 15 times as prolific, as humans.  They do not need our help to expand their numbers, they need our help to reduce their numbers until there are good homes for all of them.

2)  Sterilization of your cat or dog will increase his/her chance of a longer and healthier life.  Altering your canine friend will increase his life an average of one to three years, felines, three to five years.  Altered animals have a very low to no risk of mammary gland tumors, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyometria and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.

3)  Sterilizing your cat or dog makes him/her a better pet, reducing the urge to roam and decreasing the risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt as they roam.  Surveys indicate that as many as 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered.  Intact male cats living outside have been shown to live on average less than two years.  Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome is spread by bites, and intact cats fight a great deal more than altered cats.

   Please contact your veterinarian today to schedule an appointment for your pet.  There is no better time than right now to give your pet the gift of a long, healthy life. If you'd like more information on the benefits of altering your pets, or if you need help  to find a veterinarian in your area to spay or neuter your pet, log on to  Please do it today, your pet will thank you for it.

  In the meantime, click on the link below to enjy a humorous appeal from some very cool cats, who put it all in perspective for us!



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