Spaying and neutering your cat or dog is a necessary step in preventing pet overpopulation. Spaying is the removal of a female's uterus and ovaries so she can no longer produce litters. Neutering is the removal of a male's testicles so he can no longer impregnate a female. In addition to reducing pet overpopulation, spaying/neutering your pet has many health benefits as well. Neutering a male can reduce aggression and the desire to roam. In females, spaying eliminates the heat cycle, significantly reduces the the possibility of uterine, ovarian and mammary cancer as well as life-threatening uterine infections. Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in SLO, the US and abroad. Due to pet overpopulation, 11,000 cats and dogs are currently being euthanized in shelters in the U.S. every day. Pet overpopulation is caused by puppy mills, intact (unspayed/unneutered) pets, and backyard breeders. 

Here are some veterinary practices and shelters where you can get your pet spayed or neutered. The recommended age to get your pet fixed is at 4 months of age.