In the United States alone, more than 50,000 puppies and kittens are born each day. For every pet with a place she can happily call home, there are 4 companion animals who are homeless, neglected, or abused. Millions of these animals enter America's animal shelters and 30 to 60 percent of them have to be euthanized each year because no one wants them.
Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Is the Best Way to Help
Pet parents can help control the pet population starting with their own cats and dogs. Every pet parent should have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. Pet parents can encourage family members, friends, and neighbors to observe their city's leash laws, which help keep pets safe at home. Pet parents can educate others about the pet overpopulation problem. People who know the facts can make the right decisions.
Don't forget to express your thanks to veterinarians who reduce their spay/neuter fees and work with their local shelters to assure only neutered or spayed animals are placed.
What If Pet Parents Want to Breed Their Pets?
Many pet parents are interested in breeding their pets. Often times, they have good intentions, but many do not realize what is all involved in responsible breeding. First of all, breeders need to be sure all the puppies or kittens will have good homes. Breeders also need to be sure the breeding will produce quality offspring. The male and female dogs or cats need to have medical exams and be screened to be sure they are healthy. Breeding pairs should be free of diseases and hereditary or genetic diseases that could be passed on to the offspring. The animals need to be up to date on their vaccinations and be dewormed as well.
Breeders need to be aware of what food and equipment they will need in order to give the mother and the offspring proper care. If there are problems with the pregnancy or delivery, breeders need to be financially able to pay the extra veterinary costs associated with treatment. There are additional costs once the litter is born that breeders also need to be prepared to incur.
A lot of time, resources, and finances are needed for responsible breeding. If a pet parent is not able to commit to responsible breeding, it is best to have their pet spayed or neutered.