In honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (November 5^th-11^th), star of National Geographic Wild’s #1 series,  Dr. Jan Pol from The Incredible Dr. Pol took time from his busy schedule to offer our readers his expertise on spaying and neutering, as well as answer some burning questions we had about him, his family and the show. We’re HUGE fans of the show and so excited to get the opportunity to interview him as well as help spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering all pets to help reduce the number of unwanted animals who end up in shelters through no fault of their own.

10 Questions with The Incredible Dr. Pol

1) We know that you’re helping to spread the word about reducing the homeless pet population as part of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.  What age should pets be spayed or neutered?  Is it ever too early?
We spay and neuter pets at 4 months.  This is the ideal age for us.  I know some places do it earlier, but I like to do it at 16 weeks.

2) Are there other benefits to spaying and neutering pets besides reducing the homeless animal population/overcrowding in shelters?
Yes.  It reduces the incidence of mammary tumors, uterus infections and in males the prostrate problems later in life. [Read more…]