Spaying & Neutering
What is it?
Quiet simply, it is the removal of reproductive organs. Spaying, or
ovarian hysterectomy, is for female animals and neutering, or castration,
is for the male. This is a standard, routine medical procedure and it
is probably performed by veterinarians more often than any other surgery.
When should I do it for my pet?
Normally, the procedure is done when the pet reaches about six months
of age, which is puberty for cats and dogs. Because of the amount of
blood in the tissue of cats and dogs, it is generally a bad idea to
spay your female pet when
she is in heat, which normally lasts about two
weeks for most cats and dogs.
Why spay or neuter your pet?
Over-population is one very good reason to have the procedure performed
on your pet. Millions of homeless animals roam the streets and fields
of our country each day and suffer the depravation that plagues stray
animals.
Your pet isn't a human and they do not have the feelings and needs that
we do. Spaying or neutering your pet doesn't take anything away from
your pet that they may need to continue a life as a companion animal.
A final reason is, in the state of Georgia, its the lay to spay or neuter
shelter animals. Most shelters encourage adoption families to spay or
neuter their pet. This law helps prevent over-population.
Preventing Cruelty
Each year we respond to hundreds of requests to investigate the possible
pain and unnecessary suffering of animals. Our efforts are far-reaching:
dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, deer, pigs, chickens, goats, to name a
few... have all received care at our shelter.
Before
Disaster
Don't forget your pet when
preparing a family disaster plan. Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies
kit.
Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers
that can be easily carried. Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:Medications,
immunization records and a first aid kit .Sturdy leashes, muzzles, harnesses,
carriers or cages to transport pets safely .Current photos of your pets
in case they get lost.Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and
can opener .Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior
problems and the name and number of your veterinarian.Pet beds and toys,
if easily transportable.
Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets
Disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations
and other considerations. The only animals allowed in shelters are service
animals that assist people with disabilities. Research your sheltering
options before a disaster strikes .Contact hotels and motels outside
your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets.Ask friends,
relatives or others outside your area whether they could shelter your
animals in an emergency. Prepare a list of animal shelters, boarding
facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency.
During
Disaster
Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches
Call ahead to
confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
Check to
be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
Bring all
pets into the house so you won't have to search for them if you have
to leave in a hurry.
Make sure
all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date identification
tags.
After
Disaster
Walk pets on a
leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents
and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become
lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water
and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control
office to find out where lost animals can be reclaimed. Bring along
a picture of your pet if possible.
After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor
their behavior.
If You
Can't Stay At Home With Your Pets
If
you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate them to
a prearranged safe location if they cannot stay with your during the
evacuation period. If there is a possibility that disaster may strike
while you are out of the house, there are precautions you can take to
increase your pets' chances of survival, but they are not a substitute
for evacuating with your pets.
What IS
A Storm Watch And What Is A Storm Warning
A watch means that conditions are favorable for a weather event
to occur.
A hurricane is expected within 36 hours.
A tornado is possible.
Prepare your family and companion animals to go to a safe place in your
home, or to evacuate.
A warning
means that a weather event is imminent:
A hurricane
is expected within 24 hours
A tornado
has been sighted
You, your
family and your companion animals must take cove immediately or evacuate.
Listen to your
weather radio. Leave early. Take precaution and evacuation seriously.
