Low Cost Spay/Neuter Resources in St. Louis
Spaying and neutering your pets is one of the most important steps a pet owner can take toward making their dog or cat’s life a long and healthy one.
Myths and Facts of Spaying/Neutering
Myth: Pets will get fat and lazy if they are spayed/neutered.
Fact: The only reason animals become fat and lazy is if they are overfed and under-exercised, or are diagnosed with thyroid problems.
Myth: A dog will be less protective (not as good of a guard dog) if it undergoes spaying/neutering.
Fact: A dog’s sex hormones aren’t what make it protect your family, it is their natural instinct and genetics.
Myth: My dog/cat is strictly kept indoors/on a leash/in a fenced in area and does not have access to other unaltered animals. There is no need to spay or neuter him/her.
Fact: There is no guarantee that your pet will never have the opportunity to escape. It just takes one time. The only 100% accurate method to eliminate the over-population of unwanted animals is by having your pet spayed (female) or neutered (male). Spaying/neutering prevents unwanted offspring and eliminates many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct, and can also greatly reduce or eliminate the possibility of certain diseases such as cancer. Animals that don’t fight don’t get injured – they also don’t get fatal diseases such as FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – Feline AIDS) which is spread by bites.
Myth: It’s healthier for my female dog to have one litter of puppies before I spay her.
Fact: Medical evidence has shown that a dog who is spayed before her first heat cycle is typically healthier than dogs spayed after the first heat cycle or after having a litter of puppies. Spaying a female before the first heat greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, which is usually fatal.
Myth: I don’t want to neuter my male dog because I don’t want him to feel like less of a male.
Fact: Dogs have no concept of sexual identity or ego the way humans do and neutering does not change a dog’s basic personality. He doesn’t suffer in any way when neutered.
Myth: Spaying and neutering is too expensive.
Fact: The cost of spaying or neutering is based on the age, size, and sex of the dog, your veterinarian’s fees, and other variables. However, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost, and if you factor in the many benefits, such as improved health throughout your dog’s lifetime, it is a relatively small charge. It’s a bargain compared to the costs associated with raising a litter of puppies, such as exams for the mother, puppy checks and vaccinations, the extra food you need, etc. There are many low-cost spay/neuter options available in St. Louis for residents to take advantage of.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options in St. Louis
BARC St. Louis: BARC’s Furry Fix spay/neuter program is open to anyone who is on government assistance or can show proof of financial need, regardless of residency.
Operation SNIP: Space is limited.Operation SNIP offers spaying/neutering of pets at our Veterinary Medical Centers in St. Louis City and Westport Area Center in Maryland Heights. It is available to Missouri pet owners regardless of income. The program, which charges only $19.95 per surgery, is designed to help curb pet overpopulation and keep pets healthy.
Operation SPOT: OpSPOT facilitates affordable spaying and neutering by area veterinarians.
Pound Pals Nooterville: Nooterville is a service that allows you to spay or neuter your dog or cat for a low cost or free!
St. Louis Pet Clinic: Both early and low-cost spay/neuter. 2245 S. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63104. (314) 773-6400.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options in the Metro East
Partners for Pets Humane Society- Clinic: (618) 540 -7387, Spay/Neuter Info
Metro East Humane Society - Clinic: (618) 656-4405 x475
State of Illinois Spay/Neuter Program -$15 if on food stamps or social security disability, For application: (217) 782-3984
For more options call:
- (800) 248-SPAY
- (800) 321-PETS
