Why Spay & Neuter Saves Lives: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

February is World Spay Month, a time to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of spaying and neutering pets. Whether you're a new pet guardian or an experienced one, understanding why these procedures matter can make a powerful difference for your pet, your community, and animal welfare across Canada. 

 

At the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN), our mission includes offering high-quality, low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to help reduce pet overpopulation and keep animals healthy and happy. If your pet hasn’t yet been altered, we encourage you to learn more and book an appointment today. 

What Is World Spay Month & Why It Matters 

World Spay Month is observed every February, culminating in World Spay Day on the last Tuesday of the month. The global initiative began as Spay Day USA from Doris Day in 1995 and has grown into a worldwide call to action to reduce companion animal overpopulation and prevent unnecessary suffering.  

This annual recognition is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that one simple procedure can save countless lives. By reducing the number of unwanted litters, we can significantly lower the number of homeless cats and dogs entering shelters each year. 

How Spaying & Neutering Benefits Your Pet 

Health Benefits 

Spaying and neutering provide proven health advantages: 

  • Reduced risk of reproductive cancers - Spayed females are much less likely to get uterine infections or mammary tumors. 
  • Neutered males are protected against testicular cancer and may have lower rates of prostate disease. 

These benefits improve your pet’s lifespan and quality of life. 

Behavioural Improvements 

Surgery can also help modulate behaviours that result from hormones: 

  • Less roaming and marking territory 
  • Reduced aggression in many cases 
  • No heat cycles in females, which can cause stress and attract unwanted male attention 

Preventing these behaviours not only makes life easier for you as an owner but also reduces risks like, fights with other animals, and escape attempts. 

The Big Picture: Overpopulation & Shelter Strain 

One of the most compelling arguments for spay/neuter is what it does beyond the individual pet. In Canada alone: 

  • An estimated 2 million cats remain intact in private homes. 
  • Without intervention, one unaltered cat could contribute to 25 million kittens over five years. 
  • Around 80,000 cats and dogs are euthanized annually in Canadian shelters due in part to pet overpopulation. 

These staggering numbers make it clear: altering pets isn’t just responsible, it’s a critical part of humane animal care. 

Responsible Pet Ownership Starts With Prevention 

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) strongly supports spaying and neutering cats and dogs not intended for breeding. The procedure is recognized as safe, effective, and an essential part of responsible pet ownership. 

Canadian veterinarians are your best source for personalized guidance on the right age and timing for surgery. For most cats and dogs, this often occurs before sexual maturity, unless there’s a planned breeding purpose. 

Affordable & Accessible Options 

We know cost and access can be barriers for some pet owners. That’s why organizations like HSGN and local humane societies are stepping up to provide low-cost clinics, outreach programs, and community support. Affordable spay/neuter options help ensure budget does not stand between pets and life-saving care. 

If you’re unsure where to start, talk with your veterinarian or reach out to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara Clinic to learn more information. 

Take Action This February 

World Spay Month is the perfect time to: 

  • Schedule your pet’s spay or neuter surgery 
  • Share this information with fellow pet owners 
  • Support local animal welfare organizations 
  • Volunteer or donate to help fund community spay/neuter programs 

Your choice to spay or neuter doesn’t just protect your pet, it helps reduce shelter overcrowding, prevents the heartache of euthanasia, and makes our communities safer and healthier for all animals. 

Learn more about how the Humane Society of Greater Niagara can help your pet on our website, or contact us at 905-682-0767.