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Neuter scheme
We offer a reduced cost neutering service for pet owners on low incomes who live within our branch area.
help and advice
Why should I neuter my dog?
Neutering is an important part of responsible pet ownership and has various health and behavioural benefits:
· Prevents females from coming into season, attracting unwanted male attention which can lead to pregnancy or false pregnancies.
· Reduces mess – unspayed female dogs can bleed for up to three weeks during their season.
· Stops birth defects – animals don’t respect family relationships and siblings will mate. This increases the risk of offspring with birth defects and deformities.
· Avoids expensive vet bills – vet fees for problems during or after pregnancy and birth can be expensive. Offspring might need veterinary attention too.
· Reduces the number of stray and unwanted dogs – there are not enough loving homes meaning rescue and rehoming centres are at breaking point.
When should I neuter my dog?
It is normally advised that bitches should be spayed after their first season, and male dogs castrated at around 8 months. However, we recommend discussing your dog’s individual needs with your vet to assess when the most appropriate time for neutering would be. There is evidence to suggest that neutering anxious or fearful male dogs may not be in their best interest. For these dogs it is essential to discuss neutering with your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
help and advice
Why should I neuter my cat?
Neutering your cat is an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. Every year the RSPCA deals with the consequences of unwanted cats and litters of kittens. There are not enough loving homes meaning rescue and rehoming centres are at breaking point.
We recommend neutering your kitten at four months – just before they are able to have kittens of their own.
The benefits of neutering a female cat can include:
· Preventing behaviours associated with being in ‘heat’, which can include calling, spraying, and trying to escape or wandering further than normal.
· Reducing the risk of womb infections, tumours and certain cancers. For example, mammary cancer (which is over 90% less likely if cats are spayed before six months old).
· Helping your cat to stay healthy. Female cats can have up to 18 kittens a year, putting their bodies under a huge amount of physical stress and making them more vulnerable to disease.
· Preventing birth defects – animals don’t respect family relationships and siblings will mate. This increases the risk of offspring with birth defects and deformities.
· Avoids expensive vet bills – vet fees for problems during or after pregnancy and birth can be expensive. Offspring might need veterinary attention too.
The benefits of neutering a male cat can include:
· Reducing the risk of them roaming far away to find a mate, therefore making it less likely they will get lost or injured in a car accident.
· Reducing the risk of them fighting with other males, which in turn can help to prevent them contracting and spreading infectious disease such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
· Reducing the risk of spraying in the house.
help with neutering costs
We offer a reduced cost neutering service for pet owners on low incomes who live within our branch area. To find out if you are eligible for our neutering scheme please complete an application form and email it to our animal welfare officer at jo.chambers@rspcasussexwest.org.uk
We request a donation of £45.00 towards the cost of each dog neuter voucher and £25.00 towards the cost of each cat neuter voucher. This enables us to continue to run the neuter scheme and assist more pet owners in our local community.
