February marks Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, a yearly reminder of the growing population of unwanted dogs and cats in shelters and rescue facilities across the United States, including many right here in Utah. This observance encourages pet owners to reflect on the impact of responsible pet care and the role sterilization plays in reducing the number of homeless animals.
When bringing home a new puppy, kitten, dog, or cat, choosing to have them spayed or neutered is one of the most meaningful commitments you can make to their long-term health—and to the broader pet community. Across the country, it’s estimated that 6 to 8 million animals enter shelters annually. Unfortunately, only about half will find a home. The remaining 2.7 million animals are euthanized each year due to behavioral issues, illness, or simply a lack of space.
Spaying and neutering remain the only 100% effective method of preventing unplanned litters among dogs and cats.
Although statistics vary by region, it’s important to recognize that many of the pets surrendered to shelters are not the offspring of strays. More often, they are the unplanned litters of indoor family pets or even intentionally bred pets whose owners were unprepared for the responsibility.
Why Consider Spaying or Neutering Your Pet?
Opting to spay or neuter your pet has tremendous benefits—not just for the community but also for the long-term health and happiness of your dog or cat. Pets that have been sterilized typically lead longer, healthier, and more stable lives than pets that have not undergone the procedure.
Research has shown that neutered male dogs live an average of 18% longer, while spayed female dogs live roughly 23% longer than their unaltered counterparts. These extended lifespans are partially linked to decreased roaming behavior. Pets that wander in search of mates face a far greater risk of traffic accidents, fights with other animals, and exposure to disease.
Sterilizing pets also reduces or eliminates the likelihood of several serious medical conditions:
Reproductive Health Problems Reduced by Spaying/Neutering
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Pyometra – a life-threatening uterine infection in female pets
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Uterine cancer
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Cancers of the reproductive system
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Testicular cancer in male pets
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Prostate issues that often develop in unaltered males
Spaying a female puppy or kitten before her first heat cycle offers the greatest health advantages and dramatically reduces future reproductive risks. Many veterinarians in Utah now safely perform sterilization procedures on pets as young as eight weeks old.
Male pets also benefit greatly from early neutering. Doing so lowers aggression, reduces hormone-driven behaviors, and helps prevent territory marking. Territorial spraying, which is common among cats, is far less likely to develop when kittens are spayed or neutered before four months of age.
Costs of Spaying and Neutering in Utah
While prices vary across veterinary clinics and shelters, here is a general cost range:
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Dogs: $87.00 – $179.00
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Cats: $65.00 – $85.00
Many clinics also provide small discounts when clients donate needed supplies. You may receive 5% off your pet’s surgery if you bring one of the following items:
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Paper towels
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New dog or cat toys
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Unopened wet or dry food
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New pet treats
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General office supplies
Such contributions help clinics and shelters continue supporting pets in need throughout Utah.
World Spay Day – A Global Reminder
For 24 years, the final Tuesday of February has been recognized as World Spay Day. This year, the event falls on February 27. The goal of the campaign is to highlight the importance of affordable, accessible spay and neuter services for all pet owners, regardless of income or location.
World Spay Day brings communities together to promote long-term solutions to pet overpopulation and improve the lives of countless animals.
How You Can Make a Difference in Utah
You don’t need to be a pet owner to support this cause. Anyone can contribute by sponsoring a sterilization surgery for a shelter pet or making a monetary donation to a local rescue organization. Many shelters in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and other Utah communities rely heavily on these contributions to provide care for abandoned or surrendered animals.
Contact your local shelter or rescue group to ask how you can help—whether it’s through donations, sponsoring a surgery, or spreading awareness within your community.
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Happy Tails!
