Wise County, Virginia Animal Control / Animal Shelter Policy

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Please, Spay & Neuter Your Pets 

Do you love animals? Like most folks in our community, I'm sure you do.  Unfortunately, every year thousands of unwanted pets are cared for by pounds and local animal shelters including Wise County's.  The tragic reality of pet overpopulation is all too familiar in our community.  Despite the size of the problem, each of us can be a part of its solution - spaying or neutering our pets.

Why should you spay or neuter your pet?

• Spaying and neutering is good for you!

  • Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of serious health problems that can be difficult or expensive to treat.
  • Spaying and neutering can make pets better companions.
  • Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark their territory.
  • Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle.  Estrus lasts an average of 6 to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs, and an average of 6 to 7 days, three or more times a year, in cats.  Female cats in heat can cry incessantly, and female dogs and cats in heat may appear nervous and may attract unwanted males.
  • Neutering can make pets less likely to roam, run away, or get into fights.
  • Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than those that  have been spayed or neutered.
  • Neutering may make dogs less likely to bite.

• Spaying and neutering is good for your pet!

  • Spaying and neutering helps cats and dogs live longer, healthier lives.
  • Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, especially when your pet is spayed before her last heat.
  • Spaying can prevent various reproductive tract disorders.
  • Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of benign prostate disease.

• Spaying and neutering is good for the community!

  • An estimated 8 to 10 million animals enter pounds or shelters each year.
  • An estimated 4 to 5 million animals are euthanized each year.
  • The stray/feral cat population is estimated to be in the tens of millions.
  • Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.
  • Pounds and animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
  • Stray pets and homeless animals may get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.

Spaying and Neutering is

Good For You * * * Good For Your Pet * * * Good For The Community