The Missouri agriculture department recently opened up the application process for its 2013 Missouri Spay & Neuter grants, which provide funds to animal shelters, government agencies and qualifying nonprofit organizations that currently have programs in place or plan to develop them in the future.

"The Pet Spay and Neuter program is one more example of our commitment to supporting the work of Missouri's animal shelters, rescues and nonprofits," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "By focusing on animal shelters and low-cost spay neuter initiatives, including our charitable organizations, we are making a difference for animals.

This will ultimately help provide dogs and cats the proper veterinary care they need, Hagler adds. Funded through sales of "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates in the state, the grant program assists organizations that spay and neuter pets before adoption, and also helps low-income owners cover the costs of these basic veterinary services, according to KTTS-FM.

Last year, the Missouri agriculture department granted $20,000 to eligible programs. The application process is open through February 15th on the department's web-based portal.

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