Dr Pete Wedderburn, ISPCA chairperson, veterinary surgeon and journalist said: “The benefits of getting this procedure done in most cases has enormous benefits, such as curbing unwanted behaviours, reducing the risks of various cancers and preventing surprise litters of puppies and kittens. Neutered pets are less likely to want to wander or get into fights with other animals, so it is important to make an informed decision in consultation with your vet, to do what’s right for your pet(s). The procedure recovery time for pets is quick, and the benefits are endless, which will go a long way in preventing accidental and unwanted litters of puppies or kittens from being born in the first place”.
Pete added: “Pet overpopulation is a real problem with ISPCA Centre’s consistently full and stray and unwanted dogs entering Irish dog pounds also on the increase. Heavily pregnant and vulnerable puppies and kittens are being rescued from horrendous living conditions, so it’s vital that we all play our part in tacking this issue, by spaying or neutering our own pets as early as possible, so that we are in no way contributing to the problem. Broadly speaking, kittens should be neutered or spayed when they reach four months of age and puppies before they reach six months of age, but its crucial pet owners contact their vet for advice, to discuss breed specific recommendations for their individual pet(s). Neutered pets could also reduce the risk of them being stolen for breeding purposes”.
Gloria’s story
Gloria, a five-year-old Lurcher was rescued by an ISPCA Inspector earlier this year. She was admitted heavily pregnant, and extremely underweight. Gloria was suffering from malnutrition, and we were concerned about her unborn puppies.
The following week, Gloria gave birth to a healthy litter of nine puppies, in the safety of the National Animal Centre. Already seven of the puppies have been adopted, but we are continuing to appeal for loving homes for Otis and Samson. Gloria is also ready for adoption, now that her puppies are weaned and she has recovered from her spay.
The ISPCA’s message is simple; when you get a new pet, be sure to discuss spaying or neutering with your vet and book the procedure without delay so you are in no way contribution to the dog overpopulation.
Click here to download our ISPCA Spay Aware 2025 poster.
Some facts about the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet:
- Spaying your female dog reduces mammary cancer risk from 70% to 0.5% if spayed before first heat, also eliminating risk of uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumours. It prevents perianal fistulas and birthing difficulties and pyometra, which affects 23% of non-spayed females and kills 1%. Spaying your dog prolongs lifespan and prevents reproductive cycle changes and reduces behavioural issues.
- Unspayed cats are 7 times more likely to develop mammary cancer than those spayed at puberty. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50% of cats. Spaying eliminates the risk of dystocia (birthing difficulties) and reduces certain unwanted feline behaviour. Spaying your cat increases their lifespan from 3 to even 5 years.
- Neutering your male dog eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, reducing the danger of non-cancerous conditions of the mature prostate and certain tumours and diabetes. Neutering also reduces unwelcome behaviours such as aggression, dominance, sibling rivalry, territorial marking with urine, roaming/straying and dry humping.
- Neutering your male cat reduces fighting and unwanted territorial behaviour by over 80%, significantly reducing cat bite abscesses, as well as reducing the risk of FIV and Feline Leukaemia Viral Infection. Neutering also significantly reduces male urine spraying behaviour.
Guideline when to Neuter or Spay your pet(s)
Generally male and female kittens are neutered/spayed at four months of age and male and female puppies are neutered/spayed at five to six months of age. Large breed puppies when a little older at nine months old and giant breeds generally when they are one year old. It is important to speak to your vet for expert advice for your pet(s) individual health and circumstances.
The ISPCA is also recommends anyone thinking about getting a new pet to give a rescued animal a chance by adopting a dog or cat from the ISPCA or another animal welfare charity.
All cats and dogs rehomed from the ISPCA will already be spayed or neutered (puppies and kittens when old enough). They will also be vaccinated, microchipped and treated for parasites. For more information about adopting a new furry friend from the ISPCA, please visit www.ispca.ie
