We assess anesthesia safety with pre-operative blood work, monitor our patient throughout the surgery, and keep them under observation until fully awake.
When is the right time?
For cats and small-breed dogs, around 6 months is generally appropriate; for large breeds it can be worth waiting until skeletal growth is complete. In female dogs, spaying before the first heat is known to minimize mammary tumor risk.
There's no single right answer — breed, weight and living situation all factor in. We'll decide on the best timing together at your exam.
What does surgery day look like?
We admit your pet in the morning with an empty stomach (usually 8–12 hours of fasting). After blood work and an exam, surgery takes roughly 20–45 minutes depending on species and sex. Your pet goes home the same day, once fully awake and checked over.
You'll receive written aftercare instructions covering wound care, the recovery collar and feeding — and we're a phone call away 24/7 until the sutures come out.
Frequently asked questions
Will my pet gain weight afterwards?
Metabolism slows slightly, but with the right food and portion plan weight is easily managed. We'll give you a tailored feeding plan after surgery.
Is the surgery risky?
Spay/neuter is a routine procedure. Pre-op blood work and continuous anesthesia monitoring keep the risk to a minimum.
How long is recovery, and when do the sutures come out?
For most patients sutures come out around day 10–12. The first few days need only a quiet resting spot and a recovery collar; male cats usually bounce back even faster.
Shouldn't she have one litter first?
No — there's no scientific basis for the 'one litter first' belief. On the contrary, spaying before the first heat minimizes mammary tumor risk.
Can a female cat be spayed while in heat?
Technically yes, but bleeding risk is higher, so we usually prefer to wait until the heat has passed. We'll assess the situation together at the exam.
Will my pet's personality change?
Playfulness and affection stay the same. What changes is mostly positive: marking, roaming and fighting decrease, and females no longer go through the restlessness of heat cycles.