Hawaiian Humane Society
Sterilization is a simple procedure that not only extends the life of your companion animal but also controls overpopulation by preventing unwanted births.
Cats and dogs have the ability to reproduce frequently. One unneutered cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in just seven years. A single unaltered dog and her offspring can result in 67,000 puppies in six years.
Besides reducing the animal population, the sterilization procedure has positive effects on your cherished pets. Neutered male cats and dogs will not develop prostate disease. They also are less aggressive and less likely to roam, which means fewer fights with others or confrontations with traffic. Spraying and fighting will almost disappear in neutered male cats and dogs, making them better companions.
Spaying eliminates a female’s risk of developing life-threatening mammary cancer and uterine infections, as well as the inconvenience of female heat cycles and troublesome suitors that are attracted.
For male and female cats who spend time outdoors, it’s also the law. Since 1995 a City and County ordinance requires all at-large cats over six months of age to be sterilized. Identification is required for all cats over six months of age on O‘ahu, whether they are kept indoors or allowed outside.
Finally, sterilized cats and dogs are simply better neighbors.
2001: A Spay Odyssey
The Humane Society participates in the annual Spay Day USA in February. Called "2001: A Spay Odyssey," the free program is available to both cats and dogs. The Hawaiian Humane Society will give away 500 free spay/neuter surgeries.
2001: A Spay Odyssey appointments can be made two ways: Visit the society in person between 8:30 a.m. and noon today, where volunteers will make appointments for your pets, or e-mail the society during those hours and include three date choices for surgery next month (any day except March 26 and 27). The e-mail address is spayday@hawaiianhumane.org
For more information, see the www.hawaiianhumane.org Web site and click on News & Events, Calendar, Spay Day.
There is a limit of two pets per household. This year’s program focuses on younger pets and is limited to cats and dogs between eight weeks and one year. Surgeries will be performed in February and March at the Humane Society. All dogs and cats will also receive a coupon for free flea and tick treatment redeemable at your veterinarian’s office.
Appointments cannot be made by phone, fax or by mail.
Neuter now
In addition to the free sterilizations offered today, O‘ahu pet owners can take advantage of a very low-cost program all year long. Started in 1986, Neuter Now is a cooperative effort between the City and County of Honolulu, 36 community-minded veterinarians and the Hawaiian Humane Society.
A Neuter Now certificate pays for the preliminary exam and surgery which would otherwise cost $200 or more. The City and County funds the surgeries performed by the participating veterinarians at reduced rates, and the Humane Society administers Neuter Now at no cost to the program.
Sterilization certificates for dogs and cats can be purchased for $18 (male) or $29 (female) in person at the Hawaiian Humane Society, satellite city halls, or by mail. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the sterilization certificate. If you would like the application mailed to you, call 946-2187, ext. 227. Or print the form from the Web site: www.hawaiianhumane.org found under Programs & Services, Neuter Now, Application Form.
Feral cat sterilizations
The Hawaiian Humane Society also has a year-round sterilization program to help reduce the number of homeless cats on O‘ahu. This free program is for cat caretakers who manage a colony of stray or feral cats. Household cats do not qualify for this program.
For more information, call 946-2187, ext. 285, or check the Web site: www.hawaiianhumane.org
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