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Spay & Neuter

Thank you for your interest in learning more about how to do your part to end pet overpopulation in our community! Spay and neuter is so important and we applaud your eagerness to be a responsible pet owner.
PET OVERPOPULATION MEANS EUTHANASIA FOR THOUSANDS OF DOGS AND CATS EACH YEAR.
  • Approximately 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the U.S. each day.
  • An estimated 25 MILLION of these dogs and cats are left homeless each year.
  • At least 17 MILLION dog and cats are euthanized yearly in shelters.
  • An estimated 7 to 11 MILLION of these homeless animals die a painful death from starvation, disease, traps, exposure and at the wheels of motor vehicles.
On the fence about scheduling your pets surgery? Here are some frequently asked questions about spay and neuter, we hope this information can help you make the best choice. 

 

FAQ

Q. Shouldn’t a female dog or cat have one litter, or at least one heat cycle, before being spayed?

A. To the contrary, a dog or cat has the best chance of good health if spayed before her first heat. Early spaying reduces the risk of mammary tumors and prevents other health problems, such as life-threatening uterine infections, before aging brings greater susceptibility.

Q. Can a pregnant dog or cat be safely spayed?

A. Many dogs and cats are spayed while pregnant to prevent the birth of puppies or kittens. A veterinarian, however, must consider the pregnant dog or cat, as well as the stage of her pregnancy, before deciding whether she can be safely spayed.

Q. At what age should my dog or cat be spayed or neutered?

A. Because early spaying or neutering is optimal, dogs and cats are able to safely undergo surgery at 8 weeks of age and/or over 2 pounds; with advanced techniques and safer anesthetic drugs, a growing number of animals are being spayed or neutered at a young age. Neutering a male cat or dog by six months of age lessens the risk for testicular cancer, prostate disease, and hernias. Spaying a female cat or dog prevents pyometra (an infected uterus) and drastically reduces the risk for breast cancer. Having this done before the first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Breast cancer is fatal in about 50% of female dogs and 90% of female cats.

Are you ready to get your dog or cat spayed or neutered but need financial assistance? Friends of Oconee County Animal Shelter has a limited amount of funds to assist pet owners in Oconee County, GA. Please complete our Spay and Neuter Assistance Application below. A volunteer will contact you as soon as possible to discuss low-cost options in our community and the availability of financial assistance. 

Local Low Cost Spay & Neuter Services