Petland Monroeville is an avid proponent of spaying and neutering.

It used to be that waiting to have a pet spayed or neutered at 6 months of age was an accepted practice. Today early spaying and neutering — the surgical sterilization of companion pets between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks — is encouraged and endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The spaying and neuter of pets also has many health benefits. Over time, studies have shown that spaying and neutering can:

• Lengthen a pet’s life and improve the quality of its life with you.
• Decrease some health risks like mammary tumors, prostate enlargements and uterine infections.
• Make your pet a better family member by eliminating territorial marking and seasonal heats that cause pets to roam.

Petland pet counselors educate new puppy and kitten owners about responsible pet care. Everyday, pet counselors stress the importance of spaying and neutering as a way to prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

Petland store operators also display posters, distribute informational brochures and participate in cooperative programs with local veterinarians. Some Petland stores now have spayed and neutered puppies and kittens available for customers. Some Petland store operators provide free certificates for spaying and neutering upon adoption. And some Petland store operators offer their customers deeply discounted rates for spaying and neutering at select local veterinary clinics.