Spay/Neuter
Did you know?
- An intact female cat can have 25 kittens in one year
- An intact female dog can have 21 puppies in one year
- 82,436 cats and 35,550 dogs were taken in by animal shelters in 2015 (Humane Canada Animal Shelter Statistics)
- 15,341 cats and 2,820 dogs were euthanized in Canadian animal shelters in 2015 (Humane Canada Animal Shelter Statistics)
Why Should I Have My Pet Spayed/Neutered?
Spaying and neutering prevent the birth of unplanned litters, keeping animals out of the rescue system.
Spaying and neutering also reduce the incidence of certain behavioural issues such as aggression, roaming, urine spraying, and mounting behaviours, as well as eliminating the messiness associated with heat cycles.
On average, spayed/neutered pets live longer than their intact counterparts. Spaying and neutering eliminate the risk of uterine and testicular cancer and decrease the incidence of mammary and prostate tumours.
Spaying and neutering are an important part of responsible pet guardianship.
What Are Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures used to sterilize animals, thereby making it impossible for them to reproduce.
For female animals:
The “typical” spay procedure (ovariohysterectomy) involves the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. Spaying eliminates the animal’s heat cycle and mating behaviours.
- An alternative form of sterilization involves removal of only the ovaries (ovariectomy). Similar to the typical spay, this procedure also eliminates the heat cycle and mating behaviours.
- A hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and fallopian tubes. She will be unable to reproduce but may continue to exhibit mating behavioural issues.
For male animals:
The “typical” neuter surgery (orchiectomy) removes the testes, making him unable to reproduce. Male mating behaviours are reduced or eliminated as a result of the procedure.
- An alternate form of sterilization involves removing only the vas deferens (the tube that conducts sperm from the testes). He will be unable to reproduce but might continue to demonstrate male mating behaviours.
Where Can I Get My Pet Spayed/Neutered?
Both spaying and neutering are routine surgeries that can be performed by your local veterinarian.
When Should I Have My Pet Spayed/Neutered?
In most cases dogs and cats can be spayed/neutered as early as 6 weeks of age. Consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate age to spay/neuter your pet.