New Jersey Animal Shelter Will Spay or Neuter an Animal in Honor of an Ex
If you're decidedly not snuggling up with with a boo for Valentine's Day, may we suggest another, equally fun, way to spend February 14? An animal shelter in Blackwood, New Jersey, is offering a new special for those of us who aren't quite feeling the holiday spirit. For the low, low price $50 they will spay or neuter one of their cats in honor of your ex.
Hmmmm, we have a feeling that this program will be a hit for those who had a break-up this year.
Sure you could bury your sorrows in ice cream and Bridgerton marathons — or you could do something a little more...active. According to Philadelphia magazine, the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center has a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program where they trap feral cats, neuter them, and then return them to the streets.
Related: Video of Dad Explaining the Dog's Neuter Surgery to His Kid Is a Total Classic
The twist for Valentine's day is that you can pay the fee and have them name the stray after you ex-partner.
"Because some things shouldn’t breed,” the shelter teased in a statement.
The facility also noted that TNR is a "vital component" to manage feral cat populations. "Your donation ensures we can offer spay/neuter surgery at reduced costs for community cats and their caretakers in need," the statement reads.
Why Is It Good to Spay and Neuter Your Pets?
As Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center noted in their statement, spaying or neutering pets can stop the "breeding cycle and stops the birth of unwanted cats in our community." But there are other reasons to do so.
One is longevity. Yep, spayed or neutered animals tend to live longer than their non-spayed or neutered peers. A study out of the University of Georgia found that out of 70,000 animals, neutered male dogs lived 13.8% longer and spayed female dogs lived 26.3% longer than non-altered animals. The average age of non-neutered dogs was 7.9 years, while neutered dogs live on average to be about 9.4 years.
One of the reasons for this is the fact that spaying or neutering your pets can decrease an animal's urge to roam. That natural instinct typically exposes these cats or dogs to fights with other animals, which can result in injuries or infections. Roaming can also increase their risk of being hit by a car.
If you're interested in getting your animal altered, there are certain ages when it's better to do so. Domestic cats should be changed before they are 5 months old, as female cats can become pregnant as young as 4 months old. While domestic female dogs should be spayed before they are 5 months old too. As for male dogs, those ages can change depending on their size. Make sure to ask your veterinarian about when the best time is.
Remember, getting your pet altered is really in their best interest. Getting to name an animal after your ex during the process is just a bonus.
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
