While spaying and neutering are surgical procedures, they are routinely performed and very rarely lead to complications. In addition to preventing pregnancy in pets, they offer several health and behavioral benefits.

Neutering a male dog or cat eliminates the risk of testicular cancer while lowering the risk of prostate problems. And spaying reduces the risk of mammary tumors and cancer, reproductive cancers, and uterine infections.

Both procedures make pets less likely to experience hormone or endocrine disorders, including diabetes. Spaying and neutering offer behavioral benefits, too, and can prevent roaming in search of a mate, yowling, howling, territorial marking, and even aggression. Spayed females also do not have heat cycles.