Spay and Neuter Assistance
WEST GEORGIA SPAY-NEUTER CLINIC
The Carroll County Humane Society opened a high-volume, low-cost spay-neuter clinic on March 19, 2007. It is located at 5971 Sutton Dr., Douglasville, GA 30135. Call 678-840-8072 for an appointment.
ADDITIONAL SPAY AND NEUTER RESOURCES
CATSNIP Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic for Cats
http://www.atlantaanimalalliance.com/aaa/catsnip.htm
Phone: 770-448-6806
Friends of Animals
http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html
Phone: 770-662-6033 or 1-800-321-7387
SpayGeorgia
http://www.spaygeorgia.org
Phone: 770-662-4479
SPOT – Stopping Pet Overpopulation Together
spotsociety.org
Phone: 404-584-7768
FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT SPAYING AND NEUTERING
FACT: By spaying or neutering your pet, you will be helping to curb overpopulation and the resulting mass euthanasia and neglect of unwanted animals in our country.
Carroll County euthanized nearly 9,000 animals in 2004 alone.
FACT: By spaying or neutering your pet, you will be saving Carroll County taxpayer money.
It is more expensive to pay County Animal Control officers to pick up unwanted animals, house and feed them for a period of time, and then spend money on euthanization medications. A recent survey of 186 shelters revealed an average cost of $176 to handle each homeless animal(1) – a cost that ultimately comes out of all our pockets. Most important of all, when you consider the moral expense of killing millions of healthy, innocent beings that many of us consider our “best friends,” the cost of spay/neuter surgery fades to insignificance. (1)Wenstrup, John, and Alexis Dowidchuk, “Pet Overpopulation: Data and Measurement Issues in Shelters,”Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2(4), 1999, 303-319.
FACT: Spaying and neutering provides health and behavioral benefits for your pet.
- Prolongs life by almost twice the life span in cats, and a number of years for dogs.
- Decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or cysts in females.
- Decreased risk of prostate cancer or testicular tumors in males.
- Avoids uterine infections and many complications associated with pregnancy, whelping, or raising a litter.
- Calmer and more reliable.
- Less likely to wander or roam.
- Avoids heat cycles, mating behaviors, and unwelcome visitors fighting.
- Prevents accidental pregnancies, unwanted puppies and kittens that add to inconvenience and expense.
- Males and their owners are spared fighting and the resulting injuries, spread of disease, and expenses.
- Helps reduce undesirable behaviors such as spraying, marking, and aggression towards other animals.
MYTH: My dog is a purebred so it’s OK if I breed.
The fact is that 25 per cent of all animals found in shelters are AKC or UKC purebreds. Every day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in this country while only 10,000 people are born. It’s simple math – there just aren’t enough homes for all of these animals. Every animal you breed and find a home for, you are taking a home away from a shelter animal.
MYTH: My pet is a male. I won’t have any litters.
These animals are a very big part of the pet overpopulation problem since they escape and breed with females in heat. Even if you are very careful to keep your male pet under control at all times, accidents do happen and he may escape. In fact, he will likely try repeatedly to escape, digging up your yard, scratching up your door, or chewing off his restraint in the process. Males roaming in search of a mate are susceptible to being injured by traffic and getting in fights with other males. Fighting male cats have a very high chance of catching Felv or FIV diseases, which are both eventually fatal.
MYTH: My children should see the miracle of birth.
School programming, books or films can convey the same information in a more caring way. Visiting the local zoo or science center are other options. Children can experience the birthing process other ways and enjoy it more. Almost all mothers hide when they give birth to their puppies or kittens. So, in most cases, they won’t see it. Also, responsible pet guardians should take into cosideration the costs involved should an emergency arise during birth, care and feeding of the puppies, and vaccinations until (or if) a home can be found for them.
MYTH: She needs to have at least one litter.
Having a litter does not in any way improve or change a pet’s disposition and can drain her body of nutrients, make her thin, increase chances of mammary and ovarian cancer, and weaken her teeth and bones.
MYTH: Spaying and neutering is painful for the pet.
Surgery is performed under anesthesia and animals are usually back on their feet and into normal activities within 24 to 72 hours. This slight discomfort is not harmful and is far outweighed by the benefits to both your animal and the pet overpopulation problem.
MYTH: If I neuter him, he won’t be as protective.
Most pets will actually be more effective at protection since they will have stabilized hormones and they are usually easier to train. Altered animals are just as protective and loyal to their owners and often will have reduced desires to wander, mark territory and fight with other animals.
MYTH: They’ll get fat and lazy.
Not so. They need exercise just like they always did, but spaying them actually changes nothing as far as weight gain.
MYTH: I paid good money for my dog or cat, so I need to get my money back.
Most people do not realize the cost and responsibility involved in having a litter. Reputable breeders know that unless you have a champion dog or cat to enhance the breed, you are not going to make any money.
MYTH: Spaying and neutering is expensive.
Although to some the cost of surgery may seem high initially, it’s a real bargain when compared with the cost of raising a healthy litter of puppies or kittens until they are weaned.
While prices for spay/neuter surgery vary considerably, there are many programs (See Spay/Neuter Resources above) that will spay/neuter animals at a reduced fee for people who truly need them – those struggling to make ends meet on a low income. The bottom line is this: when you adopt an animal, you assume responsibility for that animal’s well-being. Spaying or neutering is as vital to your pet’s health and happiness as routine physical examinations, good nutrition, grooming, playtime, and love. Before you adopt an animal, you need to seriously consider whether or not you are ready to take on the financial responsibility of properly caring for one. If you have already adopted an unaltered animal, it is your responsibility to have the animal spayed or neutered regardless of cost.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
As early as possible! Although animals have traditionally been altered at six months, many veterinarians are now practicing pediatric (also known as “early-age” or “juvenile”) spay/neuter surgery, which can be performed on animals as young as eight weeks. Doctors practicing this technique report that the surgery is significantly easier and quicker to perform; guardians who have had pediatric spay/neuter performed on their animals report fewer medical problems than those who have older animals altered; and spaying or neutering homeless animals before adopting them out is the best way to prevent unwanted births.
Reasons to spay and neuter early:
- It’s safer. The mortality rate is lower.
- It’s easier on the pet – anesthesia time is shorter and recovery takes only a few hours.
- They bounce back much quicker.
- It completely eliminates the possibility of accidental litters. We hear a lot of excuses like “I didn’t know she’d go into heat so soon,” “She just got out for a few minutes” or “She was chained up.” The list is endless so please prevent it in the first place.
Serving the residents of Carroll County Georgia
www.carrollcountyhumane.org
The Carroll County Humane Society, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was founded in 1970. Since its inception, the CCHS has helped to build a better community for people and animals alike.
www.westgeorgiaspayneuter.com
The Carroll County Humane Society's West Georgia Spay/Neuter Clinic offers low-cost spay/neuters to dogs and cats and utilizes high-quality techniques, equipment, anesthesia and pain protocol.
www.carrollcountyangelfund.com
The Carroll County Humane Society's Angel Fund is dedicated to insuring that no companion animal has to suffer needlessly or be euthanized simply because its caretaker is financially challenged.
Directions / Hours
Thursdays: 1 until 4 pm
Fridays: 1 until 4 pm
Saturdays: 11 until 4 pm
Empty Pet Bowl Food Pantry.
Food will be distributed at 102 Tuggle Street, our headquarters, on the second and fourth Saturday of the month from Noon until 4pm.
Carroll County Humane Society
Physical Address:
102 Tuggle Street
Carrollton GA 30117
Voicemail: 770-830-2763
Email: cchs@carrollcountyhumane.org
Map / Directions: Google map
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1304
Carrollton GA 30112
West Georgia Spay/Neuter Clinic
5971 Sutton Dr.
Douglasville, GA 30135
Phone: 678-840-8072
Email: appointments@westgeorgiaspayneuter.com
Webiste: www.westgeorgiaspayneuter.com
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