Prevention Is Compassion: The Power of Spay and Neuter

Every year in February, animal welfare organizations around the world mark World Spay Day — a global reminder that one of the most effective ways to protect pets, reduce suffering, and support communities starts with a single decision: spaying and neutering.

At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA), we see firsthand how powerful that decision can be.

The “Why” Behind Spay and Neuter

Spaying and neutering is about far more than population control. It’s a proactive step that improves animal health, reduces pressure on shelters, and strengthens the human–animal bond.

When pets are spayed or neutered, they are:

• Less likely to develop serious health issues, including certain cancers and life-threatening infections
• Less likely to roam, fight, or engage in risky behaviours, reducing injuries and stress
• More likely to stay in their homes, as behavioural challenges tied to mating instincts are reduced

On a community level, spay and neuter programs help prevent unplanned litters — which in turn reduces shelter overcrowding and the heartbreaking reality of animals waiting longer for homes.

Prevention Is Compassion

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Animal welfare doesn’t begin at the shelter doors. It begins with prevention.

Unplanned litters often lead to animals entering shelters already at a disadvantage — too young, under-socialized, or without access to proper veterinary care. Spaying and neutering helps break this cycle before it starts, ensuring fewer animals are born into uncertainty.

It’s one of the most compassionate, responsible actions a pet guardian can take.

How the HBSPCA Is Marking World Spay Day

To recognize World Spay Day on February 24, the HBSPCA will be completing a focused day of spay and neuter surgeries as part of our ongoing commitment to proactive, accessible animal care.

These surgeries are more than procedures — they represent healthier futures for individual animals and meaningful progress toward long-term solutions for our community.

A Small Choice That Makes a Big Difference

Spaying or neutering your pet may feel like a single moment in time, but its impact lasts a lifetime — for your pet, for other animals, and for the community we share.

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This World Spay Day, we invite you to be part of the solution. Because prevention saves lives — and it starts with action.