Lake Tahoe, CA – The Humane Society of the Unites States and Humane Society International along with many state and local shelters, organizations and pet groups have teamed-up for the 17th annual Spay Day USA 2011 to be held on February 22nd of this year. Estimates from the Humane Society indicate that over four million cats and dogs are euthanized each year or about one every two seconds during an average 40 hour work week.
It is important that cats and dogs get spayed to prevent unintentional litters. It is also a well know fact that cats and dogs live longer, healthier lives. With a shortage of homes willing to adopt animals it is very important that those animals that are given to local shelters not be shut out for adoption because of overpopulation of unwanted litters.
This problem is not going away anytime soon especially with the challenges many families face today due to economic difficulties. The willingness to adopt or to keep an existing pet has become more difficult than ever and the strain put on the shelters is already too much.
There are many benefits to spaying your female cats and dogs including no heat cycles so males will not be attracted to your pet, reduced desire to roam, reduction in the number pets at risk for euthanasia, and can prevent some forms of cancer.
Male cats and dogs can also benefit from spaying by reducing marking and territorial spraying, reducing the desire to roam, reducing disease and cancer and decreasing aggressive behavior. Spaying also reduces the cost to tax payers for unwanted pets by helping to decrease the number of unwanted litters.
Spaying and neuter surgery is an everyday event and safe for pets from four months of age to adulthood. Now is the best time to look at having you pet spayed or neutered. Check with you local shelter or chapter of the Human Society to see if they are offing any special programs on in honor of Spay Day USA 2011 on February 22nd.
To take advantage of the Lake Tahoe February Prevent-A-Litter program, call 530-542-2857. This program is being provided by the Lake Tahoe Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.
