| (These listings do not constitute an endorsement, but instead a shared commitment of helping animals.) Statewide RASCAL mobile clinic 614-791-SPAY http://www.rascalunit.com. Friends of Animals 1-800-321-PETS Spay USA 1-800-248-SPAY PetFix - mobile clinic 216-536-0930 Akron Area Citizens for Humane Animal Practices (Cats only) 330-724-6181 AlterPet Inc. 330-321-6243 Pet Guards 330-849-0635 Central Ohio Pet Solutions 614-262-4353 852 E Hudson St, Columbus, Ohio Cat Welfare 614-268-6096 Citizens for Humane Action 614-891-5280 Humane Society Greene Cty 937-376-3001 Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit 614-348-7298 Care Pet Clinic 614-252-4353 Spay/Neuter Clinic 614-761-7551 614-367-9933 Pet Concern 614-885-3186 Delaware Cty 740-369-7387 Franklin Cty Animal Care 614 462-5581 VetsCare 614-777-4339 S.T.O.P. (Mansfield) 419-774-1738 Knox Cty Humane Society 740-392-2287 Animal Outreach http://www.animal-outreach.o rg/spay.html Cleveland Area City of Cleveland Kennel 216-664-2759 Spay Neuter Clinic 216-398-1081 A Snip in Time 216-651-7142 Greater Toledo Planned Pethood 419-826-3499 United Humanitarians 419-537-1970 Maumee Valley Save a Pet 419-470-2988 Animal Wings 419-861-0485 Humane Ohio 419-266-5607 Wyandot County Humane Society 888-294-4477 419-294-4477 Northeast Ohio Holmes County Humane Society 330-231-5439 Angels for Animals 330-549-1111 Animal Protection Guild 330-649-0443 Stow Kent Animal Hospital 330-673-0049 honors spay/neuter certificates! Contact the vet clinic then call Friends of Animals at 1-800-321-PETS to purchase the certificate. Southern Ohio Area Advocates For Animals 740-373-0017 Humane Society Greene Cty 937 376-3001 Mason Family Pet Hospital 513-398-8700 United Coalition for Animals 513-721-7387 Pet Advocate League 937-278-8330 MASH 513-561-6274 The Spay/Neuter Clinic 513-772-1091 SPCA Cincinnati 513-541-6100 All Creatures 513-797-7387 ext. 109 Sierra's Haven http://www.sierrashaven.org Miami County Animal Shelter 937-332-6919 |
Spay-neuter information
Spay/Neuter Myths & Facts
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Myth: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
Fact: In general, the one-time cost of a spay or neuter surgery is a
relatively small cost when compared to the cost of a responsible
breeding program. Some low-cost agencies are listed on this
page. The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size,
and age of the pet, and a number of other variables.
Myth: It's easy to find perfect homes for all the puppies and kittens.
Fact: It's not enough to find just any home for the babies. New
owners need to understand that getting a new puppy or new kitten
is a commitment for the life of the pet. They need to be prepared to
care for the pet even when it gets sick or old. A responsible
breeder makes a commitment to the litters he/she produces for
the life of the animal. That means that if, a few years down the
road, the adoptive home can't keep the puppy or kitten for whatever
reason (moving, divorce, illness), the responsible breeder will
assist with re-homing or take the dog or cat back into his/her
home whenever possible.
Myth: Nobody should ever breed another litter of puppies or
kittens.
Fact: Responsible breeding programs for dogs and cats add
quality to the lives of many people. Many of us support thoughtful
programs by responsible breeders who are dedicated to the
perpetuation and well-being of our companion animals. However,
there are many unplanned, unwanted litters born every day, and
every litter should be a planned litter with someone committed to
its welfare for life! In an effort to impact the numbers of unwanted
litters, the Ohio Pet Fund offers grants to veterinarians, animal
shelters, humane societies and nonprofit organizations who
assist with sterilization costs for low-income pet owners and pet
owners who adopt from shelters and nonprofit organizations.
Myth: All puppies and kittens should be spayed or neutered at a
very young age.
Fact: Pediatric spaying and neutering is a good solution for some
situations, but it may not be the right choice for every pet in a
responsible home. Consult your veterinarian and your breeder as
to the right time to have your pet spayed or neutered, particularly if
it is a large breed dog.
Fact: In general, the one-time cost of a spay or neuter surgery is a
relatively small cost when compared to the cost of a responsible
breeding program. Some low-cost agencies are listed on this
page. The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size,
and age of the pet, and a number of other variables.
Myth: It's easy to find perfect homes for all the puppies and kittens.
Fact: It's not enough to find just any home for the babies. New
owners need to understand that getting a new puppy or new kitten
is a commitment for the life of the pet. They need to be prepared to
care for the pet even when it gets sick or old. A responsible
breeder makes a commitment to the litters he/she produces for
the life of the animal. That means that if, a few years down the
road, the adoptive home can't keep the puppy or kitten for whatever
reason (moving, divorce, illness), the responsible breeder will
assist with re-homing or take the dog or cat back into his/her
home whenever possible.
Myth: Nobody should ever breed another litter of puppies or
kittens.
Fact: Responsible breeding programs for dogs and cats add
quality to the lives of many people. Many of us support thoughtful
programs by responsible breeders who are dedicated to the
perpetuation and well-being of our companion animals. However,
there are many unplanned, unwanted litters born every day, and
every litter should be a planned litter with someone committed to
its welfare for life! In an effort to impact the numbers of unwanted
litters, the Ohio Pet Fund offers grants to veterinarians, animal
shelters, humane societies and nonprofit organizations who
assist with sterilization costs for low-income pet owners and pet
owners who adopt from shelters and nonprofit organizations.
Myth: All puppies and kittens should be spayed or neutered at a
very young age.
Fact: Pediatric spaying and neutering is a good solution for some
situations, but it may not be the right choice for every pet in a
responsible home. Consult your veterinarian and your breeder as
to the right time to have your pet spayed or neutered, particularly if
it is a large breed dog.
Got love to spare
for an unwanted pet?
See below for some of
the many adoptable
pets at
www.petfinder.com
for an unwanted pet?
See below for some of
the many adoptable
pets at
www.petfinder.com
| Getting a dog? It's a commitment for the life of the dog. Research the breed before you buy. Match the size and temperament of the dog to your lifestyle. Go to www.akc.org and click on "breeds" to get an idea of breed characteristics. If purchasing a mixed breed, interview the previous owners, shelter staff or foster home about the temperament of the dog before making a decision. Remember to consider any children in your life or in your future. Plan on spending regular quality time with your new friend. Studies show that owners who spend time with their dogs are less likely to surrender them to an animal shelter. Make your new dog a part of the family. Learn about crate training. Crates are a valuable tool for house training, as well as a safe way to transport your dog. In addition, crates can protect your home from damage while you are away, and protect your pup from getting into dangerous situations when he can't be directly supervised. Plan on regular veterinary care. Your vet may have advice to help your pet be an enjoyable pet. Consider health insurance for your pet. For many families, it may be easier to pay a small amount once a month than to be hit with a large bill when an unexpected health crisis occurs. Consider obedience training! Obedience counselors can offer tips to keep small behavioral issues from becoming large ones. |
Low cost sterilization
Thinking about breeding your dog or cat?
Don't forget that there are millions of unwanted dogs and cats
killed in this country's shelters every year. Ideally, breeding
programs are best undertaken by those who have the capability to
select for health and temperament, and by those who are willing
to take responsibility for the offspring for the rest of their lives.
PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW INTACT DOGS AND CATS TO ROAM
AND MATE INDISCRIMINATELY! Mixed breed dogs are twice as
likely as purebred dogs to end up being killed in a dog shelter.
And while the rate of euthanasia for dogs is going down, the rate
of euthanasia for cats in Ohio rose in the eight years between
1996 and 2004. In 2004, over 92,000 cats were euthanized by
animal control agencies in Ohio.
In general, the one-time cost of a spay or neuter surgery is a
relatively small cost when compared to the cost of a responsible
breeding program. There are costs associated with ensuring the
health of the mother and litter: premium food during the two
months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is
weaned can add up to significant food costs. Veterinary bills can
also become significant, particularly if complications develop.
When contemplating a litter, it is prudent to have a couple
thousand dollars in reserve for veterinary care of the mother and
her puppies.
Breeding expenses begin even before a dog or cat is bred: a
responsible, educated breeder screens the potential breeding
animal for conditions that might be detrimental to the offspring.
The breeder may take the breeding animals (potential mother and
father) to a board-certified ophthalmologist to make sure they
don't have cataracts or other hereditary eye conditions that might
impact the lives of the offspring. Many large breeds are
susceptible to hip dysplasia or other orthopedic conditions, so it
may be necessary to have some of the joints of the prospective
parent x-rayed and/or evaluated. Breeds that are susceptible to
heart problems may require a visit to a board-certified cardiologist
prior to becoming parents. Some breeds may require DNA tests
for hidden genetic conditions. Responsible, educated breeders
often spend thousands of dollars screening their breeding stock
for hereditary diseases.
Keep in mind, too, that not all deliveries go smoothly, and an
expensive cesarean section may be required for a significant
percentage of canine mothers, particularly the small breeds. The
experience of watching puppies be born may not always be a
good one for children, either. Statistically, approximately 20% of
puppies in a litter will die, and rarely, their mother will die, too.
Don't forget that there are millions of unwanted dogs and cats
killed in this country's shelters every year. Ideally, breeding
programs are best undertaken by those who have the capability to
select for health and temperament, and by those who are willing
to take responsibility for the offspring for the rest of their lives.
PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW INTACT DOGS AND CATS TO ROAM
AND MATE INDISCRIMINATELY! Mixed breed dogs are twice as
likely as purebred dogs to end up being killed in a dog shelter.
And while the rate of euthanasia for dogs is going down, the rate
of euthanasia for cats in Ohio rose in the eight years between
1996 and 2004. In 2004, over 92,000 cats were euthanized by
animal control agencies in Ohio.
In general, the one-time cost of a spay or neuter surgery is a
relatively small cost when compared to the cost of a responsible
breeding program. There are costs associated with ensuring the
health of the mother and litter: premium food during the two
months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is
weaned can add up to significant food costs. Veterinary bills can
also become significant, particularly if complications develop.
When contemplating a litter, it is prudent to have a couple
thousand dollars in reserve for veterinary care of the mother and
her puppies.
Breeding expenses begin even before a dog or cat is bred: a
responsible, educated breeder screens the potential breeding
animal for conditions that might be detrimental to the offspring.
The breeder may take the breeding animals (potential mother and
father) to a board-certified ophthalmologist to make sure they
don't have cataracts or other hereditary eye conditions that might
impact the lives of the offspring. Many large breeds are
susceptible to hip dysplasia or other orthopedic conditions, so it
may be necessary to have some of the joints of the prospective
parent x-rayed and/or evaluated. Breeds that are susceptible to
heart problems may require a visit to a board-certified cardiologist
prior to becoming parents. Some breeds may require DNA tests
for hidden genetic conditions. Responsible, educated breeders
often spend thousands of dollars screening their breeding stock
for hereditary diseases.
Keep in mind, too, that not all deliveries go smoothly, and an
expensive cesarean section may be required for a significant
percentage of canine mothers, particularly the small breeds. The
experience of watching puppies be born may not always be a
good one for children, either. Statistically, approximately 20% of
puppies in a litter will die, and rarely, their mother will die, too.
Health Issues & Castration
Dogs
Many dogs and cats may have better lives if they are neutered.
Spaying female canines prevents most cases of pyometra (a
life-threatening uterine infection) and many cases of mammary
(breast) cancer. Spaying female canines also prevents them
from coming "in season," which may include about two weeks of
bloody discharge and unwanted attention from any loose
neighborhood male dogs.
There are a few situations where a purebred dog, particularly a
male of a very large non-aggressive breed, might statistically be
better left intact because of their susceptibility to cancers,
ligament problems, etc. Your veterinarian or breed club should
be able to help you weigh the pros and cons of neutering for your
particular dog and/or breed.
A pet owner who chooses to let his dog remain intact must be
vigilant and responsible, though, as intact dogs are usually more
likely to roam away from home, more likely to get into fights with
other dogs, and obviously more likely to participate in an
unwanted or unplanned breeding. Only the most responsible of
pet owners should consider keeping a pet intact!
Cats
Cats that live indoors may live up to 10 years longer than a cat
that lives outdoors. Cats may be difficult to live with indoors
unless they are altered because of their tendency to mark
territory, so many cat breeders suggest that pet cats that are not
part of a thoughtful breeding program be neutered. It is
important to monitor your neutered cat's eating and exercise
habits and not let it become overweight. Try pulling a toy around
the house and up and down stairs to encourage your cat to
exercise.
Dogs
Many dogs and cats may have better lives if they are neutered.
Spaying female canines prevents most cases of pyometra (a
life-threatening uterine infection) and many cases of mammary
(breast) cancer. Spaying female canines also prevents them
from coming "in season," which may include about two weeks of
bloody discharge and unwanted attention from any loose
neighborhood male dogs.
There are a few situations where a purebred dog, particularly a
male of a very large non-aggressive breed, might statistically be
better left intact because of their susceptibility to cancers,
ligament problems, etc. Your veterinarian or breed club should
be able to help you weigh the pros and cons of neutering for your
particular dog and/or breed.
A pet owner who chooses to let his dog remain intact must be
vigilant and responsible, though, as intact dogs are usually more
likely to roam away from home, more likely to get into fights with
other dogs, and obviously more likely to participate in an
unwanted or unplanned breeding. Only the most responsible of
pet owners should consider keeping a pet intact!
Cats
Cats that live indoors may live up to 10 years longer than a cat
that lives outdoors. Cats may be difficult to live with indoors
unless they are altered because of their tendency to mark
territory, so many cat breeders suggest that pet cats that are not
part of a thoughtful breeding program be neutered. It is
important to monitor your neutered cat's eating and exercise
habits and not let it become overweight. Try pulling a toy around
the house and up and down stairs to encourage your cat to
exercise.