ANIMAL COMPANIONS
7 reasons to take advantage of Spay Day

Hawaiian Humane Society

Humans, not animals, are the only ones who can make a difference in pet overpopulation.

Unfortunately there are not enough homes for all the cats and dogs born each year.

The humane solution is sterilization, a surgical procedure with many benefits for pets as well as the community. So for Spay Day, a special day set aside each February, the Hawaiian Humane Society offers appointments for free spay and neuter surgeries for O'ahu dogs and cats.

Seven reasons to spay and neuter your pets:

1. Sterilized pets are more likely to live longer. Neutered dogs and cats are less likely to roam, and therefore are less likely to get hit by vehicles, get into fights, get injured by other animals, or get lost. Sterilized cats and dogs make better neighbors.
2. Sterilized pets are healthier. Spay surgery eliminates a female's risk of developing uterine cancer or infections and greatly reduces her chance of developing mammary cancer. Neutered dogs and cats rarely suffer from diseases of the prostate or testicular tumors.
3. You will be helping to reduce pet overpopulation. The Hawaiian Humane Society received more than 27,600 lost, homeless and abandoned cats and dogs last year. By sterilizing your pets, you can be assured your animal will not add to Oahu's pet overpopulation and help achieve the goal of 100 percent of companion animals having a home.
4. Sterilized dogs are less likely to bite. Statistics show neutered dogs are about one-third less likely to bite. However, sterilization does not affect a dog's ability to be a good "watch dog."
5. For many cats, it's the law. The cat protection law states all cats age 6 months or older that are allowed outside are required to be spayed or neutered. For more information on laws relating to pets, see www.hawaiianhumane.org/animallaws.
6. 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 or urinate in the home. Spaying a dog or cat eliminates heat periods, confinement, the discharge of blood and the odor that attracts males.
7. It's free! Fill out the coupon in today's Advertiser (A section), send or bring it to the Hawaiian Humane Society on Spay Day, and you will receive an appointment by return mail.

Appointments will be for March and April.

Those who miss the free Spay Day offer can take advantage of the city's Neuter Now program, a low-cost spay/neuter option available year-round.

Using a Neuter Now certificate, the surgery costs from $40 to $75, or $20 for people with an EBT card. Purchase a Neuter Now certificate at any satellite city hall or the Hawaiian Humane Society, or call 946-2187, ext. 227, to receive one by mail.

Neighbor Island residents should check with their local humane society about special sterilization programs. On Kaua'i, call 632-0610; on Maui, 877-3680; on the Big Island, 329-1175.

Adoptables

Sarah

Tag No. 20320

She's a bit shy, but Sarah will warm up to anyone who treats her with care. Sarah is about a year old and wears a coat of brown and black tiger stripes with white accents. Look for her in Room 3 at the Cat House.

Stanley

Tag No. 792

Stanley is one of several brindle mixes looking for homes. A good family dog, Stanley is about 2 years old and could happily join a household with a female dog. He is tall and lanky, and is playful.

These particular animals already may have found new homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The incoming- animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.