Spaying or neutering prevents your pet from contributing to the already overwhelming population of unwanted animals. These procedures can also add years to the lives of companion animals. Spaying eliminates ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and pyometra in female animals. It also significantly lowers the risk of breast tumors and cancer. Neutering a male dog or cat eliminates his risk of testicular cancer while lowering the risk of prostate problems. In addition, spaying and neutering lower the risk of diabetes and hormone-related disorders.

Some problematic behaviors are reduced or eliminated after a pet has been spayed or neutered, too. Aggression, roaming, howling, spraying, humping, and other troublesome behaviors may cease or become drastically reduced after having your pet spayed or neutered.