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Discount spay/neuter services for much-loved four-legged family members
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More pets get adopted in the spring and summer than other times of the year. I guess people want a companion to pal around with outside. The benefits of pet ownership have been scientifically proven many times over. With pet ownership comes the important responsibility of getting your new four-legged family member spayed or neutered.
“There are 70 million stray animals in the United States. Of this 70 million, only six to eight million cats and dogs enter the nations 35000 shelter every year.” according to the Humane Society of the United States
For college students and young adults getting a puppy or kitten can be VERY tempting. But we really need to think about the concept of “flighty ownership,” which the animal protection community warns happens a lot in college towns: a student gets a pet, doesn’t realize the responsibility or have the resources to spay or neuter, then releases the animal or passes him along.
Pets help homesick college kids and the elderly…and all of us
More and more universities are turning to animals to help students cope with the stresses of adjusting to campus life. A recent Psychology Today article discussed three studies that conclusively determined that college kids struggling with depression who acquire a pet, have better in self-esteem, are more physically fit, tend to be less lonely and tend to be more extroverted.
It’s been proven that having a pet will reduce stress levels and give comfort and support to young adults who are moving out of their parents home. Elderly people who live alone also benefit in many of the same ways as college students, if they have a pet living with them.
Help paying for spay and neuter services in the Bham area
Following through on the responsibility to spay/neuter your pet can really break the bank for college kids and can also be a struggle for many people on fixed incomes or for young families.
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The Alabama Animal Adoption Society  offers certificates for purchase that can be used at any of their partnering veterinarians in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Buy the discounted certificate, call a listed vet to schedule a time, drop of your pet for surgery, easy as that. The vet’s office will then mail the certificate to the Adoption Society you will be reimbursed the cost of the certificate.
Prices for Certificates
- Female Cat – $45
- Male Cat – $35
- Female Dog – $70
- Male Dog – $50
There are no restrictions and everyone can buy a certificate. To get one you can either go by the Adoption Center on Saturdays 12am – 4:30pm. Or if you can’t make it by, they can mail you one. So no excuses!
Alabama Spay and Neuter Clinic in Irondale offers a five dollar coupon on their website and have affordable prices listed for spay/ neuter of cats and dogs and they also provide rabies shots and other pet care procedures.
The Friends of Cats and Dogs Foundation is an all volunteer organization in the Birmingham area. They provide many services to the community, but their primary mission is to address pet overpopulation through spaying & neutering.  There is no qualification process. Certificates can be purchased electronically on their site or by check via US Mail. They have a large list of participating vets that will accept these certificates as payment for your pet’s spay or neuter surgery.
Other reasons, besides overpopulation, to spay or neuter your pets.Â
Pros of Spaying (Females):
- No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted.
- Less desire to roam.
- Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle.
- Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies.
- Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Pros of Neutering (Males):
- Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking.
- Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents.
- Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated and decreases incidence of prostate disease.
- Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies.
- Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites.
- Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Let’s review!
So…to sum things up! We know life is richer and more fun with a pet. We know that cats and dogs (and maybe a few other creatures) can really help college kids struggling with homesickness or depression.
Our elderly population also benefits greatly from sharing a home with a pet. And…we have a responsibility to get these furry family members fixed! Hopefully these resources will make it easier for all of us to do the right thing!
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