CCSPCA Junior Volunteers Celebrate Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

In recognition of Spay Neuter Awareness Month our Junior Volunteers learned about the importance of pet sterilization on Saturday, February 7.

The pet overpopulation crisis that affects our community's animals became evident to them when they took a tour of the CCSPCA's Stray Department and witnessed first hand the very large number of unaltered animals that enter the shelter every day.

The Junior Volunteers learned the answers to many questions, including the following:

• Which animals can be fixed?
• What is Zeuterin?
• At what age can you begin spaying/neutering your dog/cat?
• What are the benefits of fixing your pet?
• How does pet overpopulation impact animal shelters?

Their workshop included making a story board to display the impact an unaltered male and female dog or cat can have in one year. Most litters are unplanned and will end up abandoned, neglected, or unwanted in a shelter. Because dogs can begin reproducing at 5 months old and cats at 4, spaying and neutering at an early age is highly recommended as it may increase the lifespan of the pet, reduce long-term medical costs, help with certain behavioral issues (roaming, spraying, aggression, etc.) and most importantly decrease the amount of unwanted animals.

After the Junior Volunteers' pet education segment, they made hearts with descriptions of our Animal Center animals and Valentine cards for our recent adopters, thanking them for adopting a homeless animal.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits about fixing your pet or need low-cost spay/neuter services, contact our Education Department at (559) 233-0115 or email education@ccspca.com.