Spay & Neuter
Spaying and neutering is the most effective way to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the severe overcrowding at our local shelter. With space stretched thin and euthanasia rates rising, prevention is the key to easing the burden, protecting animals, and creating a healthier, more compassionate community.
Why Spay & Neuter?
Spaying and neutering pets is one of the most effective ways to reduce shelter overcrowding, improve animal welfare, and support a healthier community. Beyond preventing unwanted litters, it provides lasting benefits for both pets and people.
Benefits include:
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Fewer homeless pets – reduces the number of animals entering an already overcrowded shelter system.
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Lower euthanasia rates – helps ease the burden on shelters and saves more lives.
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Healthier pets – decreases the risk of certain cancers and infections, leading to longer, healthier lives.
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Better behavior – fixed pets are less likely to roam, fight, or mark, making them safer and easier companions.
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Stronger communities – fewer strays mean safer neighborhoods and reduced strain on animal control services.
Common Myths about Spay & Neuter.
My pet will get fat after!
Truth: Weight gain is caused by too much food and too little exercise, not the surgery. With proper care, pets stay fit and healthy.
It’s better for her to have one litter first.
Truth: There are no health benefits to allowing a pet to have a litter before being spayed. In fact, spaying before the first heat can prevent certain cancers and infections.
My pet’s personality will change.
Truth: Your pet’s core personality won’t change. Spay/neuter can reduce problem behaviors like roaming, spraying, or aggression, but your pet’s loving nature remains the same.
Indoor pets don’t need to be fixed.
Truth: Accidents happen — doors get left open, pets escape. Spaying/neutering ensures they won’t add to the cycle of overpopulation if they do get out.
It’s too expensive.
Truth: Spay/neuter is far more affordable than caring for an unplanned litter. Plus, many organizations — including our FixYour.Pet campaign — connect families with low-cost or subsidized services.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Options
Compassion Pet Care
Compassion Pet Care is West Alabama’s only low-cost spay and neuter clinic. They offer safe, affordable spay and neuter surgeries designed to reduce pet overpopulation and promote long-term health. They also provide a variety of optional services including vaccines, wellness tests, and parasite prevention. Click the button below to learn more about their services.
Metro Animal Shelter Certificates
The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter offers low-cost spay/neuter certificates through its Snip It! program. For just $20 per certificate, qualifying pet owners can have their animals spayed or neutered through their partnership with the Alabama Spay/Neuter Clinic in Birmingham.
This program is designed to assist individuals and families who face financial or physical barriers to veterinary care. Metro Animal Shelter provides the certificates only; all medical procedures are performed by the Alabama Spay/Neuter Clinic.
Alabama S/N Clinic Transport
The Alabama Spay/Neuter Clinic offers a monthly transport service to make spay and neuter more accessible for Tuscaloosa pet owners. Their air-conditioned vehicle comes to Tuscaloosa to safely pick up pets and take them to the clinic in Birmingham for surgery. Animals are usually returned the very next day, making the process simple and convenient for families in our community.