Frequently Asked Questions
What is SpayFlorida?
SpayFlorida is a volunteer coalition of animal welfare organizations and individual citizens working together to end the killing of adoptable pets in Florida. This project began as a result of discussions at the Southern Regional Leadership Conference hosted by Spay/USA in New Orleans in October 2003.
What service does Spay Florida provide?
The first step to solving a problem is usually defining that problem. Florida has a significant population of homeless and unwanted pets, but there is no single measure of how extensive that problem really is, and no single catalog of current efforts to solve that problem. Across the country - in New Hampshire, in Utah, in Virginia, and here in the south among our neighbors in Louisiana, in Alabama, in Texas, and in Arkansas - statewide and large-area coalitions are making incredible strides toward eliminating euthanasia. Most, if not all of these efforts began by creating a directory of animal welfare services, and then using that resource to identify strengths and shortcomings, problems and solutions. We have a comprehensive directory of spay/neuter services in Florida. We are able to easily refer owners of intact pets to the nearest available source for spay/neuter surgery. We are currently working on areas that have been identified that no what services exist.
Who should belong to Spay Florida?
Anyone who provides veterinary care including spay and neuter, responds to community animal related complaints, shelters unwanted or homeless animals, anyone who rescues, fosters or provides sanctuary for animals, provides animal training assistance and behavior modification, or traps or assist with feral and free roaming cat and anyone interested in ending the pet overpopulation problem in Florida.
How can I help?
Spay Florida is a grassroots effort. Participation is open to anyone who wants to work co-operatively in a responsible, compassionate manner to reduce the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets in Florida.
What is our next step?
The next step is to define a common goal, and then commit to accomplishing that goal.
What is the Florida Animal Friend License Plate?
The license plates where introduced in 2005 and the funding from the tags goes to non profit organizations located in the state Florida to begin or supplement an existing spay and neuter program. Please contact your local county tax office to purchase your tag and support the Florida Animal Friend License Plate.
What is spaying?
A female is spayed by surgically removing her ovaries and uterus. The surgery is technically referred to as ovary hysterectomy.
What is neutering?
Although neutering can apply to the sterilization surgery on both male and female animals, it is generally used to refer to the surgery on male animals, in contrast with spaying of females. A male is neutered by surgically removing his testicles.
Don't these operations hurt?
Spaying and neutering are the most common surgeries performed on animals. Spaying and neutering operations are performed painlessly while your pet is under general anesthesia. After the surgery there may be some discomfort, but this is part of the normal healing process. Veterinarians will make pain relief medication available to the animals after their surgery as needed. Depending on the pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at the veterinarian's office for a few hours to a few days. Your pet will usually resume normal behavior in a couple of days.
Won't my pet get fat and lazy if I neuter or spay him or her?
Removing the ovaries or testicles may affect metabolism. This appears to make many neutered pets put on weight more easily, but ONLY IF they are permitted to overeat. The diet of every dog and cat should be carefully regulated to prevent excess weight.
Will it change my pet's disposition?
Only for the better. The operation has no effect on intelligence. And most neutered pets tend to be more gentle and affectionate. They become less interested in other animals and spend more time with the family.
Isn't it better to let my female have one litter first?
Medical evidence suggests that the opposite is true. In fact, evidence shows that females spayed before their first estrus; heat; or period (which occurs around 5-6 months of age) tend to be healthier.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
Generally as early as possible. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age with no ill effects. If you didn't know about spaying or neutering your pet before first heat, don't worry - your older pet can still be sterilized.
My pet is a purebred, why shouldn't I breed him or her?
Each year in America, millions of animals wait in animal shelters hoping to find a new and loving family. Approximately 25% of these homeless pets are purebred.
Are there alternatives?
Not a good or recommended one. At present, the only other way to prevent mating is to keep your pet absolutely confined during its fertile periods - this of course does not provide any of the health benefits nor does it help to address any of behavioral benefits mentioned above. This also requires a tremendous amount of diligence on your part. Given the numbers of accidental litters born, clearly this option isn't easy, reliable or recommended.
At what age does my animal become sexual mature?
Male animals can mate any time they are not confined, once they become sexually mature (5-6 months).
How often does my animal go into heat?
These cycles usually occur twice a year in dogs, and at least two or three times a year in cats. Many cats come into heat; as often as once every 2 or 3 weeks during certain months. Especially in warm climates.
Source: American Partnership for Pets
