The decision to have your pet spayed or neutered is one of the most important ones you'll make as a pet parent. In terms of benefits, it's also the best decision you can make for their well-being. Spaying or neutering your pet is an essential part of responsible pet ownership and pet parenting.There has been a surge in demand for life-saving spaying and neutering surgeries at animal shelters across the U.S., and organizations like the Humane Society are teaming up using #SpayTogether to raise awareness for the cause.We outline four reasons why it's always necessary to spay or neuter your dog or cat, the benefits of spaying and neutering, and when the best age is to get your cat or dog fixed.

The decision to have your pet spayed or neutered is one of the most important ones you’ll make as a pet parent. In terms of benefits, it’s also the best decision you can make for their well-being. Spaying or neutering your pet is an essential part of responsible pet ownership and pet parenting. Know more about the costs of spaying and neutering a dog.

There has been a surge in demand for life-saving spaying and neutering surgeries at animal shelters across the U.S., and organizations like the Humane Society are teaming up using #SpayTogether to raise awareness for the cause.

We outline four reasons why it’s always necessary to spay or neuter your dog or cat, the benefits of spaying / neutering, and when the best age is to get your cat or dog fixed.

One benefit to spaying and neutering a dog or cat is it helps your pet live a longer and overall healthier life.

A female dog or cat will live a longer, healthier life if spayed. Spaying helps to prevent uterine infections and some cancers. Your female pet should be spayed prior to going into heat for the first time for the best protection from diseases, however, spaying them anytime is better than not at all.

Neutering a male dog or cat has health benefits, mainly preventing testicular cancer and other reproductive cancers. Although rare in male cats, testicular tumors are most commonly found in unneutered male dogs.

Fixing your dog or cat can help prevent the overpopulation of pets.

In the United States, for every human born, there are seven puppies and kittens born; the reality is there aren’t enough homes for these animals. Sterilization is the most effective method for pet population control.

When pets are unable to breed, they’re not reproducing animals that may end up in shelters or euthanized. Consider getting your dogs and cats spayed to stop pet overpopulation.

Another benefit to spaying or neutering your dog or cat can actually save you money in the long run. Some neuter clinics and charity clinics offer low-cost spaying and neutering to allow accessible pet health care to more fur families.

Costs for caring for a pet with cancer can run into the thousands, several times as much as routine spay or neuter surgery. By having your dog or cat fixed, you’re saving money in potential long-term costs.

Preventative care, (including spay and neuter surgeries), is one way to save money on vet care throughout your pet’s life. In addition, many counties in the U.S. charge higher rates for licensing fees for unaltered pets, saving additional money that way as well.

A final reason for neutering and spaying your pet? Fixing a dog or cat helps your pet behave better – particularly for males.

Unaltered dogs and cats may exhibit several behavioral problems that will be helped, if not completely cured if they’re spayed or neutered. Male dogs who are not neutered are generally more aggressive “mark” with their urine and can develop a humping or mounting habit. Cats also have the urge to spray if they’re not neutered or spayed.

Fixing your pet solves 90 percent of these marking tendencies in both cats and dogs. Having your furry buddy spayed or neutered can reduce or stop their urge to roam away from home, fight with other males, bark or cry excessively, and find a mate to mount.

Is there a time that’s best to fix your dog or cat? Spaying and neutering pets can depend on the age and gender of a cat or dog. Here is some information on the ideal age to spay or neuter your pet.

There are some risks to consider if you spay your pet too early. For example, about 20 percent of female dogs can develop urinary incontinence due to spaying too young. On the other hand, spay incontinence is much easier to treat than the potential breast cancer, mammary gland cancer, uterine infections, and pyometra they could develop if left un-spayed.

If you’re getting a new puppy or kitten, consider spaying or neutering them as an early symbol of your love for them. Mobile pet vets are a great, convenient way to neuter or spay your new furry companion.

Pet owners, caretakers, and parents alike should consider more ways to responsibly look after their fur babies. One way to do this is by investing in pet health insurance for your furry family member.

Add preventive care coverage to a Spot Pet Insurance plan for a little extra cost each month, which includes options to reimburse for routine pet care like spay and neuter procedures.