Why Spaying and Neutering Matters

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, a gentle reminder to think about spaying or neutering your pets. Spaying prevents female pets from becoming pregnant, while neutering helps male pets stay healthier and reduces the risk of unplanned litters. These routine procedures can also lessen hormone-driven behaviors and support your pet’s long-term health and happiness.

As of January 1, 2025, Indianapolis pet owners are required to register dogs who are not spayed or neutered with the Marion County Unaltered Animal Registry, making spaying and neutering an even more important part of responsible pet care. Choosing to spay or neuter helps you avoid extra requirements, while also playing a meaningful role in reducing pet overpopulation and helping more animals in our community stay safe and cared for. 

How Spaying and Neutering Helps Your Pet 

Spaying and neutering is a smart step for your pet’s overall health and well-being. Here’s what it can do: 

• Lower cancer risks: reduces chances of mammary cancer in females and testicular cancer in males 
• Prevent serious infections: including potentially life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra) 
• Calm hormone-driven behaviors: fewer late-night roams, marking, or aggression 
• Support a longer, healthier life: studies show spayed and neutered pets often enjoy fuller, happier lives 

Common Spay and Neuter Myths 

There’s a lot of misinformation about spaying and neutering. Let’s set the record straight: 

• “Spaying or neutering will make my pet gain weight.” Healthy weight depends on what and how much your pet eats, along with regular exercise—not the surgery itself. 
• “My pet won’t be the same.” Your furry friend will still be their lovable self—just often calmer and healthier. 
• “They should have a litter first.” There’s no medical benefit to waiting; your pet is just as healthy without one. 
• “The procedure isn’t safe.” Spaying and neutering are very common, carefully performed, and well-studied surgeries that keep pets safe and healthy. 

How Spaying and Neutering Helps the Community 

Spaying or neutering your pet does more than protect your pets, it makes a real difference for animals across the community. By preventing unplanned litters, you help reduce the number of pets entering shelters and give more animals the chance to find loving homes. 

The Humane Society for Hamilton County, an open-admission, no-kill shelter, cares for approximately 4,000 animals each year, including hundreds at risk of euthanasia in other shelters. Every spay or neuter procedure helps ease the strain on shelters like this, giving staff more time and resources to focus on the pets that need care the most. 

By spaying or neutering your pet, you help: 

• Keep more pets safe in loving homes instead of becoming strays 
• Reduce overcrowding in shelters so staff can provide better care 
• Free up resources for animal welfare organizations to help more pets 
• Support healthier, happier pet populations across the region 

Spay or Neuter Your Pet Today 

There’s a lot of new research around spaying and neutering, and it can feel overwhelming. At your next visit, talk with your veterinarian about the best timing and options for your pet’s individual needs. Call (317) 516-5921 today to schedule an appointment or book online at one of our locations:

• Select a Location
  • Avalon
  • Avon
  • Binford
  • Bridgeview
  • Broad Ripple
  • Brownsburg
  • Carmel
  • College Park
  • Geist
  • Ingalls
  • Noblesville
  • Southport
  • Springmill
  • Zionsville