Benefits for Your Pet

• Spayed or neutered pets generally live longer.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  Having your pet altered to prevent reproducing reduces the risks of cancer in both male and female cats and dogs. Tumors, testicular cancer, uterine disease and breast cancer risks are minimized. The Spay USA program, managed by the North Shore Animal League, estimates that having your pet spayed or neutered can extend the life of a cat by three to five years and one to three years for a dog. Statistics also show that sterilized pets are not as likely to wander away from home, making them less susceptible to illness or injury.
  
  

Benefits for Pet Owners

• Sterilized pets are usually less agressive and overly energetic.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Beside knowing your pet will be healthier, pet owners with spayed or neutered pets never need to worry about their female dog or cat going into heat and displaying unwanted behaviors such as constant meowing or barking. Male dogs and cats are less likely to mark their territory (spraying urine) in the home. They are also less likely to be aggressive or fight with other males. Even if you leave your female cat or dog indoors, there is a risk that they can become pregnant if they have not been spayed. They may wind up presenting you with a large litter of unexpected kittens or puppies that need to be cared for.
  
  

Benefits for the Community

• Spaying and neutering your pet can reduce certain cancers.Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Pet overpopulation can occur in every community if responsible pet ownership practices are not practiced. Both dogs and cats that have been abandoned or lost wind up as strays living on the streets and reproducing. By spaying your pet, you can reduce the number of animals roaming the streets and neighborhoods and cut down on diseases they can carry and spread due to poor health or contact with wildlife. Controlling the animal population can prevent millions of unwanted dogs and cats from starving on the streets or being euthanized in animal shelters.
  
  

Costs of Spay and Neuter

• The cost of spaying or neutering your pet will vary on where you live and whether your community has low-cost or free clinics available. The price tag for this one-time surgery is less than the cost of not spaying or neutering your pet. The bill for feeding your pet's young and visits to the veterinarian from health problems associated with unsterilized pets will total far more than the cost of spaying or neutering.