SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, and local shelters, humane societies and rescues are using this time to spread awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets by five months of age through an initiative called “Fix by Five.”
“Outside of large breed dogs or a cat or dog that has a medical condition or isn’t big enough, every other animal, every cat and dog, can be altered by 5 months of age and should be,” said Marci Bowling, founder of cat rescue Watching Over Whiskers.
Bowling said fixing animals provides benefits beyond controlling pet overpopulation. The procedure offers significant health, behavioral and community advantages.
Health and behavioral benefits
Spaying and neutering can prevent deadly cancers in both male and female animals and save owners money on veterinary care. The procedures stop heat cycles and spraying while reducing an animal’s urge to roam or fight…