Photos: Why you should spay or neuter your pets (Video)

Unless you are planning to breed your pet, you’ll find that spaying or neutering your animal is the most responsible and best choice. Some feel that spaying or neutering is cruel and denies an animal from having a full, happy life. That simply isn’t the case and with the abundance of stray, unwanted and abused animals, it is more important than ever before to have your pets spayed or neutered. Others may feel that pets should be allowed to have at least one litter before they are spayed or neutered. Veterinarians do not recommend this practice for several reasons.

First, it is better for the animal if he or she is spayed or neutered before he or she enters heat or puberty. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of spaying or neutering kittens or puppies, speak with your veterinarian, local chapter of the humane society or ASPCA. They will answer any questions you may have and address myths you may have been told regarding the safety of spaying and neutering pets.

Spaying or neutering prevents your pets from reproducing, but also helps them become better, more socialized animals. Animals that have been spayed or neutered tend to wander away from home less, and are more inclined to remain indoors, basking in the love of their owners and caregivers. For those who truly want to bond and have the best relationship with their pet, spaying and neutering is an important step.

There are medical conditions, including certain forms of cancer, that pets are prone to developing. In some of these cases, spaying or neutering lowers the risk of your animal developing these dangerous and potentially fatal conditions. Uterine and testicular cancer risks are lowered through spaying and neutering, making the procedure a highly recommended health choice.

Spaying and neutering your pet is such an important aspect of responsible pet ownership, that many communities and organizations will help low-income pet owners with the financial costs of the procedure. If you have pets but believe you can’t afford to have them spayed or neutered, check with your local animal control division of your health department or humane society. Chances are there are programs available that will enable you to have your pet spayed or neutered at a discount.

Do you believe in spaying or neutering your pets or do you have a differing point of view? Please leave your comments, opinions and viewpoints in the comment section below.

Visit Pets and their People on Facebook and check out our blog.

· Photos: Why you should spay or neuter your pets (Video)

· Photos: How to keep pets off furniture (Video)

· Photos: Pet Sitters: Tips for finding sitting or walking services for your dog or cat (Video)

· What does the Bible say about animal cruelty? (Video)

· Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson to adopt another rescue dog says source (Video)

· Kristen Stewart says Robert Pattinson’s pet dog Bear is like a child to her (Video)

· Premium Nutritional Products, Inc. announces ZuPreem bird food recall

· Kim Kardashian latest news: Mercy photos, Kanye West, and Choupette Lagerfeld (Video)

· Artemis the cat saves man from burning building and other heroic pet tales (Video)

· Photos: Miranda Lambert seeks help finding lost rescue dog Loretta on Twitter (Video)

· New photos of Kim Kardashian and Teacup Persian kitten Mercy (Video)