Overpopulation is a large problem, with millions of unwanted pets still in shelters, and millions of healthy pets having to be euthanized every year. Spaying and neutering have been statistically proven to decrease the number of homeless pets.

Spaying and neutering also have a number of health and behavioral benefits for your cat or dog. Spaying at a young age has been shown to reduce the occurrence of mammary (breast) cancer and uterine infections (also known as pyometra). It also eliminates heat cycles (menstruation) which can be messy and/or painful for your pet.

Neutering prevents testicular cancer and may prevent some prostate diseases, and both spaying and neutering may also help prevent or alter unwanted behaviors, such as aggression, urine marking and ‘roaming’ (where pets wander off in search of a mate).

Before your cat or dog is spayed or neutered, we’ll see your pet for a pre-operative appointment to discuss the procedure and check your pet’s health. This will include a physical exam plus some blood work to make sure your pet is healthy for surgery.

The night before your pet’s surgery, you’ll need to withhold food from midnight onwards, but you can keep providing water. Make sure everyone in your household is aware, so no-one accidentally gives them breakfast!

You’ll drop your pet off with us in the morning and leave them at the hospital until the procedure is complete and they’ve recovered from the anesthesia. We’ll send you regular updates and photos or videos of your pet throughout the day to let you know how they’re doing. You’ll then be able to pick them up later on the same day, unless there are any complications.

Most cats and dogs recover relatively quickly. A little wooziness and some post-anesthesia anxiety or fussiness is normal. Young pets may want to play again the same day, but they should be kept calm for 10-14 days to help them recover. This means restricting play and exercise; dogs should only take short walks for potty breaks.

It’s useful to restrict your pet to a quiet room or area where they cannot run or jump. Crating can be helpful for dogs, and make sure your pet’s bedding is clean and dry to prevent the risk of infection. Cats should have a clean litter tray nearby, and you should remove any toys that encourage boisterous play. Chew toys and food puzzle toys can be helpful.

We’ll send your pet home with pain medication to keep them comfortable, and an E-collar (an Elizabethan collar) to prevent them from licking, chewing, or irritating the surgery site.

We’ll schedule a complimentary post-op exam around 10-14 days after your pet’s spay/neuter so we can check they’re healing well and remove their stitches if needed.