Neutering

Neutering, from the Latin neuter (of neither sex), is the removal of an animal's reproductive organ, either all of it or a considerably large part. "Neutering" is often used incorrectly to refer only to male animals but the term actually applies to both sexes. The male-specific term is castrating while spaying is usually reserved for female animals. Colloquially, both terms are often referred to as fixing. In male horses, castrating is referred to as gelding. Modern veterinary practice tends to use the term "de-sexing".

Neutering is the most common sterilizing method in animals. In the United States, most humane societies, animal shelters and rescue groups urge pet owners to have their pets neutered to prevent the births of unwanted litters, contributing to the overpopulation of unwanted animals in the rescue system. Many states require that all adopted cats, kittens, dogs and puppies be sterilized before going to their new homes.

The practice has been advocated in radio and television commercials and on various shows, most notably the game show The Price is Right, whose host, Bob Barker, would end every episode with the catchphrase "Help control the pet population; have your pets spayed or neutered." After Barker's retirement, Drew Carey continued to sign off with his own message regarding spaying and neutering.