A surgical procedures performed in order to prevent pets from reproducing. Both procedures are also sometimes referred to as “sterilizing,” or “fixing” an animal. The technical term for spaying is ovariohysterectomy. Spay surgery on a FEMALE cat or dog involves the removal of both ovaries. Neuter or castration is for MALE animals that refers to removing testes
We recommend at least 8 weeks or older. Cats must be 3 pounds or heavier and dogs are required to be 5 pounds or more. In addition to age the pet must be healthy enough to undergo anesthesia which an exam is preformed same day of drop off.
Dogs can get spay/neuter as early as 8 weeks and over 5 pounds. All surgeries are subject to a physical exam prior to surgery to make sure the pet are healthy enough to go under anesthesia. There’s no age restrictions once your pet is over the age of 7 or considered to be senior, if the animal is healthy enough and medically necessary they can still be seen and qualify for the service at no charge.
Spay and or neuter can reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs in your home and community.
Health Benefits:
- Increases life expectancy. Spaying or neutering your dog will increase life expectancy by one to three years. It will increase your cat’s life expectancy by three to five years.
- Reduces or eliminates the risk for mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer in females, especially if spayed before the first heat cycle.
- Eliminates risk of testicular cancer and reduces risk for prostate disease in males.
- Reduces desire to roam, improving safety by reducing injury from fights or auto accidents. Male dogs can smell females in heat up to five miles away. Statistics show that as many as 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered.
- Reduces overall health issues, which is good for your pet and also lowers medical costs.
- Makes for a better family pet. Pets who are spayed or neutered are easier to train and more focused on their family.
- Decreases aggressive behavior and creates a safer community. Dog bites are the second most common reason for children’s emergency room visits. Unneutered male dogs are 18 times more likely to bite; non spayed females are 10 times more likely to bite.
- Reduces or eliminates spraying and marking by males.
- Eliminates messy heat cycles for females.
Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals could receive spay/neuter services at Safe Haven Animal Hospital for a small fee.
For more facts or questions about Laurels House Non Profit Spay/Neuter Program please refer to the FAQs.
To Schedule appointment please click the link.