Fall is here, and for those of us who work with and help animals, FALL has a special meaning: Fixed Animals Live Longer!

Being spayed or neutered can add years to a pet’s life—an average of two or more years. That’s like adding 15 years to a person’s life. Spaying or neutering not only helps a pet live longer, it helps him/her live better lives.

They are less likely to die from cancers related to parts of the reproductive tract—mammary glands (breasts), ovaries, uterus, testicles. They are less likely to die from infectious diseases and trauma. They are less likely to be surrendered to shelters, abandoned or euthanized due to behavioral problems, including aggression.

And, of course, by being spayed or neutered, they are not adding unwanted puppies and kittens to our community. Spaying or neutering is a Win-Win-Win for the pets, the owners and the community.

The nonprofit ARF Spay/Neuter Clinic at White Marsh has already “fixed” over 34,000...