Spay / Neuter Program
P.A.W.S. has the largest spay / neuter program in the area with over 30 participating veterinarians.  This program enables many families to have their pets altered who would otherwise be unable to do so for financial reasons.  Consequently, this reduces the number of unwanted animals that are showing up in our already over burdened and over populated shelters.  Thousands of animals are sterilized each year through our programs which greatly reduces the number being born and the number that need to be destroyed.

What Does Pet Overpopulation Mean?
According to the HSUS, 4 to 6 million companion animals are euthanized in U.S. shelters every year. What is even more disturbing, is the fact that the majority of these animals are not humanely euthanized because they are very ill or suffering.  With no one to adopt them and no room at the shelters, they are simply killed because there is no place for them!  Pet overpopulation is truly at epidemic proportions in this country, and it has been for decades.  Why haven't we been able to solve this problem? 

The simple answer is that we continue to breed companion animals, whether purposely or accidentally, when there is an unmanageable surplus as it is. The pet overpopulation problem must be addressed and there are only two alternatives -- prevention of the surplus or elimination of the surplus once it already exists. We have been reacting to the problem by killing 'unwanted' animals after they are already born rather than taking the humane and proactive stance of preventing that surplus ahead of time by spaying and neutering. 

According the the Humane Society of the U.S., in only six years one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies, and in seven years one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens. By simply spaying one animal, you have potentially prevented 67,000 - 420,000 additions to the pet overpopulation problem!

What Do "Spay" & "Neuter" Really Mean?
Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia.  Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he/she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet. 

Won't It "Change" My Pet,
Make Them Less Than What They Were?
NO!!!  Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions. Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory. Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to twelve days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals. Spaying and neutering makes pets less likely to bite. Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered. Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights. 
Did you know that 90% of all dogs hit by cars are un-neutered males? 

Isn't It Bad For My Pet, Though?Again,
NO!!!   Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat. Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed
before her first estrous cycle. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

What Can I Do?
First, we must all take responsibility for spaying and neutering our animal companions.

Second, we can encourage and help others to do the same.

Third, always adopt and never purchase animals! By purchasing a 'purebred' animal, you are encouraging breeders to continue.  If you adopt an animal from a shelter, you are saving its life. If you purchase an animal, the shelter animal you could have saved is sentenced to death.