Spay & Neuter FAQs

What exactly is spay or neuter surgery?
Technically, neutering refers to the removal of the reproductive organs on both male and female companion animals. However, “neutering” is the term commonly used to refer to sterilization of a male by the surgical removal of the testicles. “Spay” is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female companion animal. Additional terms that are sometimes used to describe neuter or spay include “alter” and “sterilize”.

Is the spay or neuter operation painful?
Spay or neuter surgery is performed under general anesthesia and, therefore, your pet does not feel pain during the procedure. Animals may experience some discomfort after surgery. However, the discomfort does not typically last long and is controllable with medication.

What are some of the advantages of having my pet spayed or neutered?
There are both behavioral and health benefits to neutering male dogs and cats. Male dogs tend to wander less and are also less likely to mark territory or display aggression towards other dogs. Neutered male dogs have less prostrate and testicular disease than unaltered males. Male cats tend to roam less and do less territorial fighting. Female dogs and cats have less mammary cancer and uterine disease then unaltered females. Spay our neuter is also an important way to control the pet population.

At what age should my pet be spayed or neutered?
Traditionally veterinarians have recommended spaying/neutering around 6 months of age, however prepubertal (8 to 12 weeks of age) spaying/neutering has gained increasing support among veterinarians. Most veterinarians recommend that females be spayed before their first estrus or “heat” period to maximize the procedure’s cancer-sparing benefits. Because all pets are individuals, talk to your veterinarian about the best time to neuter your particular pet.

How expensive is spaying or neutering?
Professional fees for spaying and neutering are based on the difficulty of the procedure involved and factors such as your pet’s size, age, sex, and overall health status. If the fee seems high, remember that surgical neutering is permanent. It is a life-time investment for the health and well being of your pet that can solve a number of problems for your pet, you, and communities already burdened with too many unwanted dogs and cats.

There are national programs as well as many community programs that offer low cost spay/neuter services to residents who meet certain income requirements.

Should the female have a heat period or litter before being spayed?
There are no benefits to allowing a companion animal to have a litter or go through a heat period. In fact, female cats and dogs that have never experienced a heat have a decreased chance of getting mammary cancer and do not have reproductive tract disease problems.

Will spay or neutering change my pet’s disposition?
Yes, for the better. In addition to the overall health benefits, most spayed and neutered pets tend to be gentler and more affectionate, have a decreased tendency to roam, and are less aggressive to other animals.

Will spaying or neutering make my pet fat?
Removing the ovaries or testicles does affect metabolism. For this reason, spayed or neutered pets will tend to put on weight more easily if permitted to overeat. The important phrase here is “if permitted to overeat.” Monitoring the quantity of food given and providing regular play and exercise will help keep your pet in shape.

Are there alternatives to surgical spaying or neutering?
The one sure way to keep your pet from mating, is to have it surgically spayed or neutered. Confinement is the only alternative method to prevent mating. This becomes extremely difficult when one realizes that pets are capable of mating so much of the time.
Males can mate any time they are not confined after they reach sexual maturity. Females may become pregnant only during their estrus or “heat” periods. These cycles usually occur twice a year in dogs and at least 2 or 3 times a year in cats. Many cats come into “heat” as often as once every 2 or 3 weeks during certain times of the year.

If my pet is a purebred, should I breed it at least once?
Breeding is a complicated business. Before you breed you need to ask yourself: “Does the animal fit the breed standard?” “Does the animal have a stable temperament?” “Are the animal and the prospective mate healthy and free of any discernable genetic diseases?” “Do I have the time and financial resources it takes to breed and care for the offspring?” A good breeder is careful about the animals they breed, takes the process very seriously, and ensures that all offspring are placed into good, responsible homes.

Can’t I make extra money selling puppies or kittens?
Breeding dogs and cats is generally not lucrative; more often, breeders barely break even or money is lost during the process. Responsible breeding is expensive because it involves stud fees, registration fees, extra food, housing costs, veterinary care, and advertising. The time involved is considerable as well. Mothers and puppies must be cared for and responsible owners for the offspring must be identified.

Isn’t this a good way for children to learn about the miracle of birth?
Children may learn about the birthing process in far simpler and less costly ways. Plenty of books, videotapes, CDs, and DVDs are available that portray the miracle of birth in a wide range of animals, providing a far greater appreciation of the process than can be gained through watching a single dog or cat deliver a single litter.

Will spaying and neutering eliminate the problem of unwanted and homeless pets?
Every concerned citizen and responsible pet owner should do everything possible to make sure that their pet does not contribute to the problem of unwanted offspring. Spaying and neutering your pets is a significant way to help reduce the number of unwanted and dogs and cats.

Dealing with overpopulation of pets usually falls to your local animal care and control workers.  This is not a pleasant task.  Your personal step at preventing litters can help to stop the alarming rate of euthanasia in our country. 

Unowned and stray pets are a big part of the problem as they continue to produce litters.  Feral cats can be altered via a program call Trap Neuter and Return.  Get more information about TNR.