Petland Says to Be a Responsible Pet Owner!

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Petland stores nationwide will observe National Pet Month beginning May 1 as each store continues to do its part to help promote the spaying and neutering of pets. Pet counselors at Petland work to educate customers on the benefits of having their pets surgically sterilized.

“Pet owners who allow their pets to breed irresponsibly are essentially contributing to the births of thousands and thousands of puppies and kittens each day,” said Julie Washburn, public relations coordinator, Petland, Inc.

It is estimated that a fertile cat can produce up to three litters per year with an average number of four to six kittens in each litter. A fertile dog is estimated to be able to produce up to two litters per year with an average of six to 10 puppies in each. Because these numbers add up to alarming totals, it is crucial that pet owners take the initiative to get their pet spayed or neutered, preventing unwanted litters of puppies or kittens, and reducing the number of pets that end up homeless or euthanized at local animal shelters.

Many Petland stores offer customers who adopt a Petland puppy or kitten a certificate for a free or discounted spay or neuter, which may be redeemed at the store’s local consulting veterinary office.

Brochure discusses early spay/neuter, answers common questions
Petland’s spay and neuter brochure helps to educate and promote early spaying and neutering – the surgical sterilization of companion pets between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks – a practice encouraged and endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Neutering commonly refers to the castration of male animals. The common term for surgically altering a female animal is spaying, which involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Dispelling old wives’ tales about spaying and neutering

• Spaying and neutering does not cause a pet to gain weight.
• Spaying is not easier, but rather more difficult after a female pet has been allowed to come into heat or to have its first litter.
• Spaying and neutering will not change a pet’s personality.