ST. GEORGE — February is spay and neuter awareness month. Why should Southern Utahns consider getting their pets “fixed?”

Best Friends Animal Society is “raising awareness on the simple solution communities can take that not only aids in lifesaving but all around improves the animal’s well-being:” spaying and neutering pets.

According to a news release issued by the nonprofit, sterilizing dogs and cats could prevent medical and behavior problems.

One reason Best Friends is promoting spay and neuter awareness in February is that many cats and dogs get “spring fever” heading into March. Sterilizing pets now could prevent unwanted litters come spring, Chief Sanctuary Officer Judah Battista told St. George News.

Unintended litters are one of the largest reasons pets end up in shelters, such as “teenage dogs that people tried to keep but couldn’t,” Battista said.

“That’s really the best way for us to get our arms around the animals entering into shelters and reducing that number, just in terms of a humane way of managing populations,” he said.

While there are fewer animals entering shelters than five years ago, Battista said the number has increased since the pandemic.

“That shift has meant that animals are staying in the shelter for longer and that puts a lot of strain on the shelter staff,” he said.

In addition to “fixing” pets, individuals should adopt one of the “remarkable dogs and cats that are available,” Battista added.

There are other benefits for pet owners, including reducing the risk of uterine infections and breast cancer in female dogs, and of prostate and testicular cancer in males, Battista said. Unaltered pets are more likely to wander and mark their territory.

Approximately 60-80% of dog bites are caused by intact male dogs, and pregnant or nursing female dogs are also more likely to bite. Spaying and neutering can reduce the number of incidents, the news release states.

Additionally, the procedure does not affect a pet’s intelligence, or ability to learn, work or play, and some animals’ behavior improves after surgery, “making them more desirable companions,” according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

While the veterinary community has worked to correct false information, Battista said some pet owners believe what were previously common misconceptions. For instance, while some may think their pet needs to be fully grown before having a litter, female cats can get pregnant at 16 weeks old.

Additionally, Battista said there is no benefit to having a pet give birth before getting spayed; in fact, they could experience complications and behavior changes. For instance, mother dogs can be protective of their pups, putting family members at risk.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with spaying and neutering pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

While there anesthetic and surgical complications can occur, their overall incidence is “very low,” and the procedures are among the most commonly performed by vets, the association states.

However, the reproductive hormones that may cause “undesirable” behaviors impact a “pet’s overall health and can be beneficial.” And sterilized animals may be more at risk for some health problems, like urinary incontinence and some cancers.

The association suggests pet owners talk with their regular veterinarian to make an informed decision.

Healthy pets of any age over 8 weeks and that weigh more than 2 pounds can be spayed or neutered, Battista said. However, many clinics will wait until a privately-owned animal is at least 16 weeks, as the surgery would be “a little bit easier on them,” but before they get the “urge to wander” to find a mate.

Pets recover “remarkably quickly” after the surgery, Battista said, adding that while cats and dogs may feel like they’re 100% “back to normal,” activity should be restricted for about a week.

“It’s not a great idea to let them run and play and do all the things they would like to do as quickly as they would like to do them,” he said.

There are low-cost options to spay and neuter pets in most communities, Battista said.

For instance, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary offers to fix a male or female cat for $25, a female dog for $50 and a male dog for $35. To schedule an appointment, pet owners should call the clinic at 435-644-2001, ext. 4533.

The Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Clinic prices range from $75 to neuter a male cat to $140 to spay a female dog between 61 and 90 pounds. Appointments can be requested via the clinic’s website.

Pet owners can also consult with their regular veterinarian to quote prices and discuss options.

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