There are over 100,000 cats and dogs living without a home in the Triangle.
Fighting to reduce this number is a part of our mission. SAFE Haven and SAFE Care Spay/Neuter Clinic is committed to spaying or neutering every cat or dog. We support spay/neuter because sterilization controls pet populations by preventing litters that risk being euthanized.
Pet overpopulation is a cycle resulting in millions of cats and dogs roaming the streets or even being euthanized every year. How does it happen?
Gestation periods for cats and dogs last about 63 days. Nursing mothers become pregnant right away. The average litter size is four. Mother’s offspring can start reproducing as young as six months old – leaving the overpopulation cycle to continue indefinitely.
The best way to break the cycle is to spay or neuter your pet. Here are some answers to common questions about spaying or neutering your furry friend:
Should I let my cat go into heat?
No. The American Veterinarian Association recommends cats and dogs should be spayed/neutered at five months of age. There are no health benefits for your pet cat to go into heat before becoming fixed.
Is spaying/neutering painful?
During a spay or neuter surgery, cats and dogs are fully anesthetized, so they feel no pain. While cats can’t really tell us if they are in pain, our veterinary staff work to make kitties as comfortable as possible during surgery. All animals spayed at the SAFE Care Spay/Neuter Clinic receive pain medication before their surgeries and we also offer pain medication to go home for an additional fee.
With any surgery, there is tenderness around the incision and your pet may be more tired than normal but usually return to normal activities after about a day.
Why is spaying/neutering so expensive?
It doesn’t have to be! There are places in the Triangle that offer low-cost or even free spaying/neutering to pet owners in need. The SAFE CARE Spay/Neuter Clinic can work with you to make fixing your pet more affordable! Request an appointment here.
Is spaying/neutering safe for my cat?
While all surgery comes with some risk, spaying and neutering are essential for your pet’s health and safety. Spaying your lady kitty helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer. Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age according to the ASPCA.
For more information on spay/neuter services in the Triangle, visit https://www.safecareclinic.org/.
