Spay Georgia  What is SpayGeorgia?

SpayGeorgia, Inc. is an all-volunteer, non-profit
organization dedicated to promoting humane
treatment of all companion animals. SpayGeorgia's
goal is to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and
cats in Georgia through spaying and neutering. To
accomplish this goal, we provide low-cost spay/neuter
certificates and a variety of education programs.
Athens Regional Veterinary
Services
1711 Mars Hill Rd.
Watkinsville, Ga. 30677

For Frequently asked Questions click
HERE
By making sure that your pet can't have puppies or kittens, you'll have peace of mind that his or her offspring won't be euthanized in an animal
shelter.

animals born in the streets or there is something "wrong" with them. But often they are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe
someone's dog or cat got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed.

Still the result is homeless animals that have to be euthanized because there are more dogs and cats entering shelters than there are people willing
to provide them with loving care. Even if you do find homes for your pet's puppies or kittens, that means there are fewer homes available to take in
other pets from shelters. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

Help your community … and yourself

Homeless animals may get into trash containers, defecate in the neighborhood and bite or attack. Spaying or neutering your pet means that your
animal and its potential offspring won't contribute to the population of unwanted pets.

You can also enjoy your spayed or neutered pet more. Female pets that have been spayed do not go into heat. You won't have the mess that comes
with the female reproductive cycle or the boisterous, noisy male suitors. Spaying and neutering may also reduce the risk of certain health problems,
offering you more years with your beloved dog or cat.

Safe and effective

Licensed veterinarians perform the spay or neuter operation while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size and health, he or
she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed. Your
veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you. If you have a new puppy or kitten, don't wait! Pets can become parents sooner
than you think. Early age spay/neuter is safe and effective, so talk with your veterinarian at your pet's first visit.

Financial assistance may be available

Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when you consider the benefits. It's a small price to pay to make sure your pet's
offspring aren't euthanized. For pets living in homes with limited income, reduced cost procedures may be available. Humane societies work with
veterinarians to offer subsidized and affordable spay and neuter services in veterinarians offices, in specialized clinics and even in customized
mobile units that bring safe, effective spaying and neutering into specific neighborhoods.  

It's not just for dogs and cats!

When being conscientious about the pet overpopulation, don't forget to spay or neuter your pet rabbit. Rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats
and often end up in shelters where they must be euthanized. Spaying or neutering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging,
mounting, spraying and boxing. Spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers, which can be prevalent in mature females.

Millions of pet deaths each year are a tragedy—but it can be solved. By spaying and neutering your pet, you can be an important part
of the solution. Contact your veterinarian today and be sure to let your family and friends know that they should do the same.
Articles below are reprinted courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States.  
Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering

MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.

FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.

MYTH: It's better to have one litter first.

FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many
veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these
procedures.

MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.

FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth—which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion—the lesson they will really
learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that
preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.

MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.

FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed
and purebred.

MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.

FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and
environment than by sex hormones.

MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.

FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of
emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow
generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an
entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.

MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But
whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost—a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared
to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned
can add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your
pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.

MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.

FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good
homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The
problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.
All images on this site are the property of
Art for Paws and are not be used,
reproduced or printed without permission.
Copyright 2008 - 2014. All rights reserved.
Excerpts from "Spay or Neuter your Pet" a brochure from Best Friends.
Will my pet become fat?
Just like people, pets
become overweight when
they eat too much and/or
exercise too little. An
appropriate diet and
sufficient
activity will keep your pet
slender and healthy.
Isn’t it healthier for my pet to have one
litter?
Medical evidence indicates just the
opposite. In fact, the evidence shows
that females spayed before their first
heat are typically healthier. Cats can go
into heat and get pregnant as early as
five months of age, so it’s important to
spay early.
More from Best Friends:

But, what if I want my kids to have the experience of raising puppies or kittens?

Contact your local shelter or rescue group and ask if you can sign up as a foster family
for expectant or new mothers. While most mothers prefer not to have an audience while
they are actually giving birth, your family may be able to play an invaluable role as a foster
family for newborn puppies or kittens.
So, make an appointment today with your veterinarian to spay or neuter your pets. They’ll
be happier, and so will you!
Left Over Pets
Leftover Pets Inc
Braselton, GA 30517
Phone: 706-654-3291
Email:
leftoverpetsinc@yahoo.com
It's Hip to Snip!
Spay or Neuter your
Pet today!
Hall County