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Early Spay and Neuter...
Effective February 15th, 1999 - the Animal Shelter spays and neuters all animals before they leave the shelter. This includes puppies and kittens as young as 6 weeks. We maintain a 100% compliance rate and will NOT adopt un-neutered animals UNLESS it is a MEDICAL necessity due to age, complications and/or known congenital defects which may risk the pets life.
Early Age Spay/Neuter : A Growing Consensus
What do the Humane Society of the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Kennel Club, the Cat Fanciers Association, the American Humane Association, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, many state and local veterinary associations and an increasing number of local animal shelters have in common?
Each of these groups endorses the concept of early age spaying and neutering to stem the overpopulation of cats and dogs.
Early age spay and neuter is the surgical sterilization of companion animals prior to the conventional age of 6 months. For an increasing number of shelters it can mean 100% sterilization compliance rates, fewer returned animals, and improved staff morale.
While it may seem that interest in early spay/neuter is a recent phenomenon, it has not only been talked about, but it has been practiced for over 25 years in North America!!!
Early age altering refers to spays and neuters done between the age of 6 and 14 weeks.
Altering pets between 5 and 7 months of age was established by tradition rather than for any specific medical reason.
Years ago, when safe pediatric anesthetic techniques were not available, waiting until a patient was older increased the safety of surgery. But we no longer need to delay altering for this reason.
People working to decrease the problem of surplus dogs and cats in the United States pioneered the idea of early altering. While surgical sterilization remains the most effective means of population control, delaying the surgery long enough for sexual maturity to occur defeats the purpose. Animal shelters advocate mandatory altering, buy many adopted animals either are never altered or have at least one litter first.
Over the years, the safety of early altering has been questioned, mainly by veterinarians who may be unfamiliar with the surgical and anesthetic techniques required for pediatric patients. As well, there were concerns that early altering could increase the incidence of feline lower urinary tract disease, could affect skeletal development, and affect behavior.
These concerns have largely been laid to rest by many studies, and early altering is becoming more widespread and available. A study recently published by researchers at the University of Florida found no significant differences in the physical and behavioral characteristics of cats altered at 7 weeks of age compared to those altered at 7 months of age.
Very important work has been done by Dr Michael Aronsohn and Alicia Faggella at the Massachusetts SPCA on the anesthetic and surgical techniques for early altering of dogs and cats. In 1993, two papers were published outlining their work on the early altering of hundreds of kittens between the age of 6 and 14 weeks. They evaluated several anesthetic protocols and made recommendations for safe handling and anesthesia in patients of this age. Some small changes to surgical techniques are necessary for patients in this age group. As well, these young patients must be handled a bit differently both before, during, and after surgery. The changes in surgical protocol are simple and easy to carry out, and the experience of these veterinarians with early altering is overwhelmingly positive.
Early altering is a safe and effective means of ensuring our shelter does not unwittingly add to the burden of unwanted pets. The Animal Shelter Inc. is proud of their 100% compliance rate and has spayed/neutered over 3500+ animals in two years.
Follow-up Note:
We have found that there are several vets that don't believe in the early spay/neuter practice. So far... of those vets they were upset that we were "taking away" business for them. Easy money for easy work = spay/neuter. We are virtually eliminating overpopulation of dogs in New England due to early spay/neuter. This is something ALL shelters, humane societies and rescue groups are THRILLED ABOUT!
Eliminating overpopulation in dogs also means elimination of vet checks of the pregnant dog, prenatal care, prenatal vitamins and vaccines, possible C-sections on dogs that were bred by unknown mates, ultrasounds, puppy checkup's and puppy vaccinations...And don't forget the after birth care of mom.
I, personally, as shelter director have been told and I quote "you should stop spaying and neutering and adopt them out so we can fulfill the supply to demand ratio of puppies in New England!" These words from a "Vet" who is concerned with animal welfare! I certainly wouldn't use this vet NOR would I recommend him.
By eliminating overpopulation through early S/N. We have ALSO eliminated thousands upon thousands of killings in shelters where they are unwanted. Yes, there is still a high-demand for puppies in New England BUT THERE IS NOT a demand for them down south...and that is why we have the Homebound Hounds Program and the Save A Sato program.
Think about it...its a win/win/win situation all around....Our shelter, our shelter vets and our orphans would not be involved in ANY programs that jeopardized the life, well-being, health or care of any animals in our shelter. We researched early S/N extensively, spoke with dozens of professionals, and finally purchased TAPES from the MSPCA's Angell Memorial (leading N.E. Vet hospital) hospital that actually TEACH and instruct on special procedures and protocols to use. I can assure you...our vets would never do this if it wasn't approved and full supported by a LARGE group of prestigious organizations and hospitals...
Here's hopin' for wet and warm noses all around...
Leigh
Grady
Shelter Director
Animal Shelter Inc.
17 Laurelwood Road
Sterling, MA 01564
phone (978)422-8585
fax (978)422-8574
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