At SEPR, we believe in responsible pet ownership. Part of that is controlling the pet population, as hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals end up at shelters annually. Sadly, many of them don’t make it out of the shelter alive—and the odds of finding “happily ever after” are especially stacked against Pit Bull type dogs. For these reasons, SEPR makes sure that every dog that comes into our rescue is spayed or neutered before being adopted into a
forever home.

Spaying and neutering a dog has benefits beyond controlling the pet population (although that is a huge reason —did you know that just one litter of puppies ends up becoming 67,000 dogs in the span of six years?). When you spay or neuter your pet, you may prevent unnecessary roaming/running away due to an animal’s desire to breed. Spaying or neutering your dog can also keep them healthier longer, as it reduces their risks of certain kinds of cancer. According to the Humane Society of the United States, neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered males, and spayed females live 23% longer than un-spayed females.

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Spaying or neutering your pet will not change their personality, but it may reduce or prevent unwanted negative behaviors, such as fence jumping, urine marking, and mounting. Spaying/neutering your dog may decrease aggression towards other dogs. The majority of dog bites involve dogs who are not “fixed.” For the reasons listed above, SEPR will not adopt our dogs into a home with unaltered dogs.

If you cannot afford to have your dog spayed or neutered, please contact us—financial assistance may be available.

If your dog is spayed or neutered, consider contributing to SEPR, as the routine medical procedures for our dogs(spay/neuter, microchip, shots) are one of the biggest expenses the rescue has. Above all, spread the word—a “fixed” dog is a happier, healthier dog!