Animal Defense League
Washington County, Virginia
The Animal Defense League offers financial assistance for the spaying or neutering of pets for qualified, low-income residents of Washington County and surrounding counties or for persons adopting a cat or dog from the C.C. Porter Animal Shelter.
Please call our toll free number at 1-877-301-2290 for further information.
The Margaret B. Mitchell Spay/Neuter Clinic offers reduced-cost spay, neuter and initial vaccination services to our region. Located in Bristol, VA off I-81 at Exit 10, the clinic may be reached at (276) 591-5790. Or, obtain clinic information by calling ADL’s toll-free number.
In the United States, an estimated 5 million animals will be sentenced to death this year because they are unwanted.
Last year in Washington County alone, approximately 9% of the dogs and 48% of the cats that came into the CC Porter Animal Shelter did not leave alive. Over 550 cats and more than 75 dogs were euthanized.
These numbers may seem hard to believe, but two breeding cats can create 13,000 offspring in 9 years, and two breeding dogs can be responsible for almost 200 puppies in 4 years.
The presence of so many stray animals is not only a statistical tragedy but also a public health hazard. Besides breeding uncontrollably, homeless animals get into the trash, defecate on public and private property, frighten and bite people and pets, carry and spread disease, and prey on wildlife. Feral cat colonies and wild dog "packs" exist in large cities as well as in rural areas. Rabies is a serious public health concern wherever there are large numbers of homeless dogs and cats.
Join the Animal Defense League of Washington County in its fight to combat the pet overpopulation problem!
MYTH: It's better to have one litter first.
FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier and have reduced possibility of developing breast cancer.
MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.
FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth-which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion-the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.
MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise. An animal that is spayed or neutered at an adult age may experience a reduction in metabolism so it is important to ensure proper calorie intake for the" first 6 months after surgery.
MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.
FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats-mixed breed and purebred.
MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.
FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.
FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He will not suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.
FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.
MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost-a relatively small cost when compared to the cost of caring for a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet.
MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters that need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population.
The Animal Defense League of Washington County, Inc. (ADL) is an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. ADL’s mission is the prevention of cruelty to all animals, the relief of suffering among animals, and the extension of humane education.
Tax ID# 52-1249911
