Unsterilized dogs and cats create unplanned litters and there are not enough available homes to absorb this surplus. For example, in LA, the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control is overwhelmed with unwanted animals, receiving approximately 70,000 animals each year! Despite strong efforts to place these pets into new homes and reunite lost pets with their owners, there are still not enough adoptive homes available. It is imperative that we reduce the number of animals flooding our animal care centers, and the best way to do that is ensure all pets are spayed or neutered.

Spaying and neutering presents many health benefits for pets. Certain types of cancers are eliminated by spaying or neutering. Sterilized animals are less likely to roam and therefore less likely to be lost, hit by a car, injured in a fight, or abused.

Stray animals are public safety hazards and unsterilized animals are more likely to stray. Stray animals can bite or attack people or other animals, cause traffic accidents, spread disease, damage property, and harm the quality of life for residents in a community.

Unneutered male dogs and cats search for mates and are attracted in packs when female dogs and cats come into heat. One female in heat, even if confined, can make an entire neighborhood unstable by attracting packs of male dogs intent on breeding. These situations often become dangerous.

Unsterilized cats create neighborhood disturbances with loud vocalizations during the breeding season. Unwanted litters are born with high death rates for the kittens. If left unsocialized, these cats become feral and establish colonies that can cause public health concerns for residents. The County's policy on free-roaming cats is referenced below.

By spaying or neutering your pet, you are helping solve the problem of pet overpopulation, protecting your pet from potential harm, and ensuring a safer community.