For any pet owner, it’s always recommended to spay and neuter a puppy or kitten within the first few months of bringing him or her home. These procedures — which are completely painless for the animal — are safe and incredibly beneficial for both you and your pet.

But why spay and neuter your pets in the first place? Take a look at this list of the three biggest reasons why you should look into spay and neuter procedures for your pet:

Spaying and neutering lets your pets live a longer, healthier life

Did you know that spaying and neutering a pet can increase his or her lifespan by as much as three years? That’s because these procedures, which remove the animal’s reproductive organs, are the only way to completely prevent uterine infections, breast cancer and testicular cancer, all of which are incredibly fatal for pets. With a spay or neuter procedure, you’ll ensure that your pet can be a happier, healthier part of your family for longer.

Spaying and neutering makes pets better-behaved

It’s been proven that male pets that are neutered are significantly more well-behaved than unaltered pets. After taking your dog to a dog spay and neuter clinic, you won’t have to worry about him roaming around away from home, disrupting the neighborhood and causing accidents — because up to 85% of all dogs hit by cars weren’t neutered. Female pets benefit behaviorally as well, as they won’t go into heat after being spayed. Your pet will be less distracted and better-behaved member of your family

Spay and neuter procedures prevent pet overpopulation

Perhaps the most wide-reaching reason why you should spay and neuter your pets, it’s important to spay and neuter pets so the already dire problem of animal overpopulation isn’t worsened. There are millions of cats and dogs living in shelters, facing euthanization or living as strays that are looking for homes — don’t contribute to the problem with unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

Know of any other benefits or facts about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets? Feel free to share with us and your fellow readers by leaving a comment below!