Spaying and neutering refers to surgically altering a pet so that he or she is unable to reproduce.  We recommend spaying and neutering for all animals that are not intended to be used for breeding.  Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) refers to surgical removal of a female animal's ovaries and uterus.  Neutering (castration) refers to surgical removal of a male animal's testicles.  These procedures are very routine and very safe for pets.

Reasons to spay and/or neuter your pets:

• Prevents pet overpopulation due to accidental breeding
  • 4 to 6 million healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters in the US each year due to pet overpopulation
• Improves health and longevity
  • Unspayed female cats and dogs are at an increased of developing breast cancer and pyometra (a potentially life threatening infection of the uterus).  Spaying eliminates the chance of pyometra, and it dramatically decreases the chance of breast cancer if performed before the first heat.
  • Unneutered male dogs are at an increased risk of developing testicular cancer, prostate disease and certain types of hernias.  Neutering eliminates the chance of testicular cancer, and it dramatically decreases the chance of developing prostate disease and hernias.
• Decreases the chance of developing undesirable behaviors including:
  • Aggression
  • Inappropriate urination (males especially)
  • Roaming from the house/yard which increases the chance of serious injuries and toxicities