ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Pets benefit from sterilization program
Hawaiian Humane Society
The numbers add up so fast.
In seven years, one cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens.
In six years, one female dog and her offspring can be the source of 67,000 puppies.
Humans can solve pet overpopulation. By sterilizing pets, you can help your own pet live a longer, healthier life.
The simple surgical procedure is affordable and available for O'ahu dogs and cats through the Neuter Now program.
Neuter Now is financed by the City and County of Honolulu and administered by the Hawaiian Humane Society. And many O'ahu veterinarians cooperate by providing the surgery at very low fees.
Your veterinarian may be one of the providers, or you may choose another from the list of participating clinics and hospitals.
A Hawaiian Humane Society goal is that every companion animal have a home. As more pets are sterilized, this goal can become reality.
Reasons to spay and neuter your pets:
• It's inexpensive. Purchase a Neuter Now certificate in person at the Hawaiian Humane Society or any satellite city hall. Cost of certificates: Low-income residents with an EBT card, $20 for any cat or dog; other O'ahu residents, $40 for a male cat, $50 for a female cat or male dog, $75 for a female dog.
• Sterilized pets live longer, and are happier and healthier. Neutered male dogs and cats are less likely to roam and get lost or hurt.
Sterilized cats and dogs are less likely to develop some cancers and they make better neighbors.
• Statistics show that neutered dogs are about one-third less likely to bite. Sterilization does not affect a dog's ability to be a good watchdog.
• Your pet will be a better companion. Male cats are not as likely to spray, and male dogs are not as likely to mark their territory once neutered. Spaying a female eliminates heat periods, confinement, the mess and the odor that attracts males.
• It's the law, for many cats. The cat protection law requires that all cats age 6 months or older that are allowed outside be spayed or neutered. For more information on laws relating to pets, visit: www.hawaiianhumane.org/animallaws/index.html.
• You are helping reduce pet population.
By sterilizing your pets, you are assuring that your animal will not add to pet overpopulation.
For more information on Neuter Now, including an online application, visit: www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs/neuternow/index.html.
Those living on Neighbor Islands should check with their local Humane Society about special sterilization programs.
On Kaua'i, call 632-0610; on Maui call 877-3680; on the Big Island call 329-1175.
