Cook County Offers Savings To Pet Owners During National Spay & Neuter Month

By mary.paleologos at February 4, 2013 | 10:32 am | Print

As part of National Spay and Neuter Month, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that residents can receive up to a $40 discount on their pet’s spay or neuter procedure during February.

All Cook County pet owners are eligible for the discount and may take their dog or cat to a veterinarian of their choice. Pet owners must present proof of their pet’s current rabies vaccine. The rebate is provided for up to two pets.

“Spaying and neutering is good for your pet and good for the community,” President Preckwinkle said. “The procedure not only helps your pet live a longer, healthier life, it benefits the community because it reduces the number of strays and unwanted animals in our neighborhoods. Communities spend millions of tax dollars every year providing care for animals abandoned on the streets.”

Every year, millions of cats and dogs are euthanized or suffer as strays as a result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

“The procedure also adds to the quality and length of a pet’s life,” said Dr. Donna Alexander, director of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control. “On average, a spayed or neutered pet lives three to five years longer. More than 4,000 dogs and cats are spayed or neutered annually through the Cook County program.”

Spaying and neutering have been proven to reduce the risk of some types of cancers in pets. It also completely eliminates certain life-threatening bacterial infections.

The surgeries are performed by a veterinarian while the animals are under general anesthesia so they do not feel any pain.

Click here for more information about the Spay & Neuter discount program.

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