What exactly is sterilisation?
It is an operation carried out on an animal's reproductive organs to prevent it from producing offspring.
Is it painful?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, so the animal feels no pain. There may be slight discomfort for one or two days afterwards, but it is soon over, and your pet's chances of a healthy life are enhanced.
Isn't it cruel or unnatural to have my animal sterilised?
It's even more cruel to deny unsterilised animals normal mating. And if you allow them to mate, you're contributing to the problem of unwanted animals in Singapore. Sexually frustrated animals not only become restless and call out constantly, they can also lose weight and become susceptible to illnesses. A sterilised animal will be a calmer and easier pet to look after.
Will my pet still be the same?
It's not true that a sterilised animal will become fat and no longer playful. Your vet will advise you if you need to cut back on the amount of food given to your pet. Many pets become more playful and affectionate because they're not distracted by the urge to mate.
But what about the cost?
If you're concerned about the cost of the operation, think of it as a lifetime investment for the benefit of your pet's health. You'll also save money on the dog licence fee - the fee for sterilised females is cheaper. Lessening your pet's desire to roam during the mating season also saves time and money looking after him/her.
Theoretically, a single female cat (with all her female offspring reproducing freely as they mature) takes just seven years to be the source of 20,000 new kittens! Of course, the male who sired the first litter is equally responsible.
Until there are fewer animals being born, thousands more will be put down each year. As a responsible pet owner, you can do something to stop this cycle. Sterilise your dog or cat. Tell other pet owners to do the same. Please help reduce Singapore's stray and unwanted animal population!
And don't forget, a sterilised animal is a happier, healthier pet!
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Pet ownership in Singapore is more popular than ever, but each year, the SPCA receives close to 10,000 unwanted animals. Tragically, many of them have to be put down because it is impossible to find homes for all these animals. The SPCA does not have the space or the money to shelter so many animals either.
