Each year, approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. shelters. 1.5 million of them are euthanized due to overcrowding. Spaying and neutering can significantly reduce these numbers. For example, an unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce up to 67,000 puppies in six years, while an unspayed cat can give birth to up to 24 kittens in just one year (Petpedia) (Pawsome Advice).

Spaying and neutering can help pets live longer, healthier lives. For instance, spaying a female pet before her first heat cycle can significantly reduce the risk of mammary gland tumors and ovarian cancer. Neutering male pets eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and can reduce aggressive behaviors and the urge to roam, which is a common cause of pets being hit by cars (Petpedia).

Stray animals often originate from pets that were not spayed or neutered. In the U.S., there are an estimated 70 million stray animals. Programs like Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) have proven effective in managing and reducing feral cat populations, with some areas reporting up to a 70% decline in animal control intakes after implementing such programs (Petpedia) (Pawsome Advice).

The cost of spaying and neutering is far lower than the cost of caring for litters of puppies or kittens or treating animals for diseases or injuries related to roaming or aggressive behavior. Many communities offer low-cost spay and neuter programs, making these procedures accessible to all pet owners (Petpedia).