Bear
Adopted 7/99

Why spay and neuter

A kitten or a puppy is a pleasant addition to a family, but when it matures and starts having litters of kittens or puppies these litters, and even the cat or dog, sometimes become unwanted. Most people don't mean to be cruel to animals. Some pet-owners let unwanted kittens and puppies off on their own to give them a "running chance," so to speak, rather than have them face possible euthanization at the pound or shelter. The cruel fact is that the abandoned animal, whether living in a home that really doesn't want it or fending for itself in the fields or streets, doesn't stand a chance. Some abandoned pets starve to death. They contract disease by rummaging through garbage or become victims of other painful deaths. The ones that are presented to shelters are well cared for but, unfortunately, given the difficulty of finding adoptive homes, millions of cats and dogs are euthanized within two weeks of being rescued.

According to the Humane Society of the United States...

• 5 million dogs and cats are killed yearly in U.S. shelters. That is 13,800 every day or 575 dogs and cats killed every hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• In six years, one female dog and her off spring can theoretically be the source of 67,000 dogs.
• In seven years, one female cat and her off spring can theoretically be the source of 420,000 cats.

Prevention is the answer

The best way to prevent senseless cruelties to animals is to preclude the birth of unwanted litters. PROD recommends spaying female dogs and cats and neutering the males as the most effective solution to the pet overpopulation problem. Communities which actively promote spay/neuter programs significantly decrease the numbers of animals having to be destroyed.

Benefits of altering your pets

• Your pet will be healthier!
• Your female dog or cat will not suffer the stress and frustration of heat periods and will face much less risk of developing cancer of the breast or serious infections of the uterus.
• Your male dog will be less inclined to fight other animals and will face much less risk of developing prostate infections or prostate cancer.
• Spayed/neutered animals will have less tendency to roam away from your property.
• Contrary to popular belief, your altered pet will not become fat and lazy unless you overfeed and/or underexercise it.
• It will retain its zest for life and all the characteristics that you acquired it for.

PROD offers spay/neuter discount certificates

PROD offers financial assistance to those in need of help to have their pet(s) spayed or neutered. This is only made possible through PROD matching a discount offered by some of our local veterinarians. Up to a 50% discount certificate is available for those meeting the general requirements. Assistance is also available for those rescuing strays. Call to see if you qualify at 541-387-DOGS (3647).

COLUMBIA GORGE VETERINARY CLINIC
Hood River ï 541-386-7773

TUCKER ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Hood River ï 541-386-1566

UPPER VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC
Hood River ï 541-352-7446