"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"
- Nelson Mandela
Helpful Information & Links
Why Spay & Neuter
Spaying or neutering your pet is not only humane, but will lead to decreasing the overpopulation of pets and help with ending euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in municipal shelters. It may also prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing in a cat or dog, allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier and happier life.
Spaying or neutering is unlikely to change your pet's temperament, basic personality or levels of playfulness and general activity. It does often lower or eliminate some common behavioral issues, such as mounting and howling.
Low Cost Spay and Neuter Information
Find a Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic Near You
Los Angeles City Spay and Neuter Voucher Program
SNP/LA Spay and Neuter Pricing (888) WE-SPAY-LA
Los Angeles County Spay and Neuter Voucher Program
List of Other Spay and Neuter Agencies
Found Animals Spay and Neuter Low Cost Clinic Zip Code Look Up
Considerations Before Adopting
Think about your family
When considering adopting any pet you should carefully consider your family situation, not just your family today, but where you expect to be 10 - 15 years from today. Are you married and expect to have children? Do you currently have children? What are their ages? Are you single and a workaholic? Are you retired? Are there elderly people in your household? Of course, this list can go on and on. The important point is to make sure you understand your situation and the responsibilities of pet ownership and that adopting a pet is a committed that must include considering your family dynamic and how it will change with the adoption of a pet.
Who will take care of the pet?
If you are considering adoption so that your children have a pet then you need to be prepared to face the reality that no matter how much they promise to feed, walk, pick up after and bath the pet, it is likely they will try to pass these responsibilities onto you. You will need to be prepared to handle this type of situation. Also, keep in mind pets can be around for 10 - 15 years and your children may be grown and on their own and the pet will still be part of your household.
How much can you afford to spend on the pet?
In addition to the initial adoption fees, you will also have kennels, dog runs, food, veterinarian costs, grooming, training and or course your time and energy. Careful consideration of all these aspects of pet adoption will help you make the best possible decision for you, your family and your new pet.
More on Considerations When Adopting
Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Companion Animal Programs Adviser. National Outreach
"Are you and your family willing to make a 10 – 15 year commitment to this sentient being in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for as long as all shall live?"
Victoria Heuer, Pet360 writer and editor
"Some of the greatest moments in life include the day we met our pets for the first time, and the day we adopted them and they came home with us."
You've Adopted. Now What?
Enriching Your Dog's Life
"Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems in dogs."
