By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jon Austin, DVM with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital notes that even though controlling the pet population is important year-round, veterinarians often think of it as a spring thing.
"We just focus, kind of, in the spring, because as these days get longer and the light stays after work a little bit more, the animals begin to respond to that diurnal cycle and they have heat cycles and the reproductive bent begins."
It's really important that animals that are born are wanted.
"If you volunteer or know anyone that volunteers at our shelter, I'm sure the people there would agree there are too many puppies and kittens produced and not enough good families to take care of them," Austin said. "Spaying and neutering is a responsible pet owner's means of preventing that. We certainly encourage that. We certainly encourage that for all of our clients and all of the pet owners in the community."
Spaying and neutering also helps to reduce the fighting between those who are still intact over potential mates, as they have fewer opportunities.