The Humane Society of Johnson County strongly urges the public to spay or neuter their pets to help control the pet population.  As it is now, hundreds of stray and surrendered animals are euthanized by Johnson County Animal Control (not HSJC) every year because there are simply not enough willing homes to take them all in.  By spaying or neutering your pet, you’re doing your part to decrease the euthanasia rate. 

 

The Humane Society of Johnson County offers a spay/neuter
discount certificate to Johnson County residents.

Click Here To Download The 2010 Low Cost Spay/Neuter Certificate

 

Please read the questions and answers below if you are still not convinced that spaying/neutering is the right decision for your animal.

 

Isn’t it wrong to deprive an animal of the natural right to reproduce?
No, it’s wrong to allow these animals to reproduce an estimated 17 million dogs and 30 million cats every year.  Since there are not enough responsible homes available, many of these animals have to be euthanized.

 

If I find homes for my pets’ litters then I’m not contributing to the problem, am I?
Yes, you are.  Only a certain number of people want pets.  So every home you found for your pet’s offspring took a home away from a loving animal already at a shelter.

 

Shouldn’t every female pet have at least one litter before being spayed?
 No.  In fact, your pet will likely be healthier if she never goes into heat.  Nor will her personality improve with motherhood.  She is just as likely to become less social and more aggressive after having a litter as she is to become calmer and gentler.

 

Shouldn’t children experience the miracle of birth?
A more important lesson to teach your child would be that of compassion and concern for life itself by explaining why his or her pet should not have babies.

 

Doesn’t neutering alter an animal’s personality?
Personality changes that may result from neutering are for the better.  Not being distracted by the instinctual need to find a mate helps stop roaming or embarrassing “mounts” of furniture and legs.  It is likely that they will be calmer, though not less protective of their territory.  Plus, being neutered is actually a healthier decision because neutered animals are less likely to develop  prostate problems and testicular tumors.

 

Only females add to the overpopulation problem, right?
No, a male can father far more offspring in his lifetime than a female can mother.

 

Won’t animal shelters take care of the surplus animals?
The number of unwanted animals far exceeds the number of available homes.  This leaves many loving and healthy animals in our community who must be euthanized as the only humane solution to this tragic dilemma.  Only spaying and neutering will end the overpopulation problem.