Pet Owners: Cook County Offers Savings During National Spay/Neuter Month

As part of National Spay and Neuter Month, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced that residents can receive 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,” 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.

For more information about the Spay & Neuter discount program, visit the County’s website at http://www.cookcountygov.com and then click “Agencies” and “Animal and Rabies Control.”

Editor's note: The above information is from a press release issued by the office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.