Steven Albritton: Spay and Neuter Your Pet

Every year, millions of animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. But Steven Albritton believes that can change with spaying and neutering. Spaying and neutering is not only healthier for your pet, but reduces pet overpopulation. Here are some pet statistics from the ASPCA:

Shelters take in 5-7 million animals each year. Of that, 3-4 million are euthanized.
Less than 2 percent of cats and 15-20 percent of dogs are relinquished to their owners.
Purebred dogs make up 25 percent of the intake at shelters.
Ten percent of animals brought into shelters are spayed or neutered.
More than 20 percent of people who dump their dogs off at shelters adopted them from one.
Estimates for stray dogs and cats living in the United States are upwards of 70 million.
Cats can produce one or two litters a year; each litter has four to six kittens.
Dogs can produce one litter a year; each litter averages four to six puppies.
Many strays lack proper identification or a microchip.

Animal advocate Steven Albritton sees the devastating effects pet overpopulation has on shelters and rescues. Simple spaying and neutering can easily lift the burden off these organizations. In fact, many communities over low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

Steven Albritton: Pet Ownership in America

Despite the pet overpopulation problem, there are many responsible pet owners. Roughly 62 percent of American households own a pet. Of those households, 78 percent are dog lovers and 86 percent are cat lovers. In addition:

65 percent of owners get their pets free or for a low cost.
20 to 30 percent are adopted from shelters or rescue groups.
One-third of cats are acquired as strays.
Most pets are adopted from friends or family members.
Spaying and neutering a pet is cheaper than caring for puppies or kittens for one year.

Steven Albritton reminds people that pet ownership is a big responsibility. Pet owners should expect to spend $600-$900 each year on their pet. Veterinarian Steven Albritton said that figure covers food, supplies, medical care and training. Don’t forget to add spaying and neutering in there if you adopt a pet that is not altered. Dr. Steven Albritton believes a pet is a lifetime investment – not a temporary one.