You don't mind participating in pet overpopulation.

In 2006, over 29,000 animals were euthanized at Animal Services. There are enough unwanted pets in Hillsborough County. Don't let your pet make more.

You want to pay more for your dog's or cat's rabies tag.

All dogs and cats in Hillsborough County are required to be vaccinated against rabies and to have a current Hillsborough County license and tag. The tag costs $30 every year if your pet is unsterilized. The tag only costs $10 each year if your pet is already sterilized.

You want to visit the veterinarian more often.

Unsterilized animals tend to roam as they seek mates, and tend to get involved in accidents such as: fights with other animals, being hit by a car, being shot or poisoned by disgruntled neighbors, just to name a few possibilities. If your animal even survives the trauma, it will certainly need the help of a veterinarian in order to recover. Unnecessary pain for your pet, and bills for you that could have been avoided.

You don't mind losing your pet to preventable disease.

Early sterilization of your pet eliminates the risk of life threatening infections and cancer of the reproductive system, and reduces the risk of breast or prostate cancer in your pet.