1. PREVENT OVERPOPULATION
There are simply not enough homes for the unwanted animals in an already overpopulated animal world. Millions of unwanted shelter animals are put to death yearly across the country. They are labeled unadoptable because of shelter diseases, because they are undesirable by breed or age, because they require costly medication or because they go “kennel crazy” before they can be adopted. By neutering or spaying your animals you can help alleviate the overpopulation problem.

2.INCREASE YOUR PET'S CHANCES FOR A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE
Spaying or neutering increases your pet’s chances for a longer, healthier life.
1. Spaying your female pet before her first estrous cycle greatly reduces her chances of developing breast cancer and completely eliminates the threat of uterine and ovarian cancer and uterine infection, which are common in unaltered females.
2. Neutering your male pet prevents testicular tumors and may prevent prostate problems. It also decreases the possibility of cancer, urinary problems and kidney disease, which are common in older, unaltered dogs.
3. Because neutered cats are less likely to roam, the threat of abscesses caused by bites and diseases transmitted by fighting are greatly reduced.

3. HELP YOUR PET BECOME A BETTER FAMILY MEMBERr 1. Owners of spayed females avoid cycle messes and unwanted suitors.
2. Males neutered early in life are less aggressive and cause fewer bites and fights. They are also not distracted by females in heat which can cause the males to run in the streets and potentially get killed or lost.
3. Neutered males are less likely to mark shrubs, furniture and carpeting.
4. Your pet will be more hormonally balanced so as to become a happier addition to your family.

4. OBEY THE LAW
Santa Cruz County residents are required by law to spay or neuter pets by the age of six months. Exceptions are granted for health, service animals and breeders, but a permit is necessary.