Spaying and neutering are both routine procedures that can benefit the pet. The procedure can be done as early as six weeks of age, but six months is recommended. When preformed at an early age, the surgeries are less stressful with a quick recovery time. Spaying protects female pets from problems associated with giving birth and prevents unwanted births. It also protects owners from any inconvenience associated with a female's heat cycle like attracting unwanted males and a bloody discharge.
Males are less likely to roam and receive injuries from fights or automobiles.
Hopper said sterile pets have a greater life expectancy and make better pets for families. The animals become better behaved, happier and more affectionate. Approximately 20 million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized, or put to sleep, annually in the United States. Unwanted strays attack farm animals and can be a nuisance with garbage containers. It is unfair to expect an animal to live that way.