February is National Spay and Neuter Month.  Spay/neuter has many advantages for the individual animal, the human family, and the community.  One very pressing reason to promote spay/neuter is the overpopulation of dogs and cats in the U.S.  According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (founded by Unitarian Henry Bergh), 607,000 cats and dogs were euthanized in the U.S. in 2024 for the simple reason that shelters are chronically overcrowded; no homes or shelter spaces were available for these animals.  Years ago, the figure was in the millions.  The excellent progress in reducing overpopulation has resulted from high-volume, low-cost (or free) spay/neuter programs, as well as heightened awareness of the need for spay/neuter.   For information on spay/neuter in Jacksonville, please consult your veterinarian or contact EveryPet (formerly First Coast No More Homeless Pets).

Another benefit of spay/neuter is a reduction in the likelihood that your companion animal will bite anyone.  According to Best Friends Animal Society, 60 to 80% of dog bites are caused by intact males; and even intact females are more likely to bite than spayed females.

Spaying and neutering decreases the likelihood of certain cancers and infections, makes it less likely that your animal will roam in search of a mate, and improves the animal’s behavior.  Healthy puppies and kittens can have the surgery as young as two months, or when they reach two pounds.  If you need more information about spay/neuter, please email animalchaplain@bbuuc.org.