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The Honolulu Advertiser
Neutering your pet benefits you, the fuzzball, community | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper
Posted on: Sunday, February 26, 2006

Neutering your pet benefits you, the fuzzball, community

Hawaiian Humane Society

Toonces the cat shows how to apply for a Neuter Now certificate. As a humane society adoptee, Toonces came home already neutered.

Hawaiian Humane Society

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ON THE WEB

Neuter Now: www.hawaiianhumane.org; select "Spay & Neuter Services"

Pets of the Week: www.hawaiianhumane.org; select "Adopt A Pet"

Events: www.hawaiianhumane.org; select "Events"

Nutrition: www.hawaiianhumane.org; select "Pet Care & Advice"

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FIFI
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GIRLIE
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One of the Hawaiian Humane Society's goals is to see that every companion animal has a home.

Thousands of cats and dogs in Hawai'i find themselves homeless each year. A contributing factor to this problem is animal reproduction that can quickly create a pet population explosion.

In seven years, one cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens. In six years, one dog and her offspring can be the source of 67,000 puppies.

As guardians of our animal companions, we can work together to curb pet overpopulation.

Show your respect for life by sterilizing your animals. Some people shy away from sterilization because of myths, many of them untrue. Trust in your veterinarian and know that you are helping your pets live healthier lives while not adding to the homeless pet population.

IT PAYS TO SPAY

Six good reasons to spay and neuter your pets:

  • Sterilized pets make better neighbors. Neutered male dogs and cats will not have the urge to roam, be hit by cars, get into fights or get lost.

  • Your pet will be a better companion. Male cats are not as likely to spray, and male dogs are not as likely to mark territory or urinate in the home. Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates heat periods, confinement and the odor that attracts males.

  • Sterilized dogs are less likely to bite. Statistics show that neutered dogs are about one-third less likely to bite. However, sterilization does not affect a dog's ability to be a good watchdog.

  • For many cats, it's the law. O'ahu's cat protection law states that all cats 6 months or older that are allowed outside must be spayed or neutered.

  • Sterilized pets are healthier. Spay surgery eliminates a female pet's risk of developing uterine cancer or infections and greatly reduces her chance of developing mammary cancer. Neutered male dogs and cats rarely suffer from diseases of the prostate or from testicular tumors.

  • You will help reduce pet overpopulation. The Hawaiian Humane Society received more than 30,000 lost, homeless and abandoned animals last year. By sterilizing your pets, you help achieve the goal of all companion animals having a home.

    NEUTER NOW PROGRAM

    The City and County of Hono-lulu, the Hawaiian Humane Society and many O'ahu veterinarians cooperate on the Neuter Now program, which provides low-cost sterilizations. While this surgery can cost several hundred dollars, Neuter Now makes it affordable.

    The Neuter Now certificate costs $40 for a male cat, $50 for a female cat or male dog, and $75 for a female dog. Those who have an EBT card may purchase a certificate for $20. This small fee typically covers everything from the pre-surgery exam, anesthesia, the surgery, and subsequent removal of stitches, if needed.

    Purchase a Neuter Now certificate in person at the Hawaiian Humane Society or any satellite city hall. Or go to www.hawaiian humane.org for more information and an application. Click on "Spay & Neuter Services."

    ON NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

    Neighbor Island residents can check with their local Humane Society about sterilization programs. On Kaua'i, call (808) 632-0610. On Maui, call (808) 877-3680. On the Big Island, call (808) 331-2724.

    ADOPTABLES

    FIFI

    Tag No. 860426 This handsome male Siamese mix has gorgeous blue eyes — and the unlikely name of Fifi. He is 3 years old and just a bit shy, but he warms up once he feels comfortable with you. Already neutered, Fifi is ready for a new home today.

    GIRLIE

    Tag No. 86061 Our adorable poi dog from Kennel 21 is as sweet as her name! She wears a short coat of brown and reddish-brown with black accents. Girlie would enjoy a family with plenty of playmates ready to throw the ball — and she'll catch it.

    These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park, at 2700 Wai'alae Ave., are open daily. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals.
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