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Spay & Neuter

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavioral challenges.

Spay & Neuter: Caring for Your Pet and Preventing Unplanned Litters
Spaying and neutering are among the most common—and most important—procedures we offer for dogs and cats. These safe, routine surgeries help prevent unwanted pregnancies while supporting your pet’s long-term health and behavior.

Whether you’ve just adopted a young puppy or kitten, or you're considering the procedure for an adult pet, spay and neuter services play a key role in responsible pet care.

What Is Spaying or Neutering?

  • Spaying refers to the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female pets.

  • Neutering (also called castration) refers to the removal of the testicles in male pets.

Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and are typically completed in a single day. Pets usually recover quickly, with most returning to normal activity within a few days.

Why It Matters

Spay and neuter procedures offer a wide range of benefits for both pets and pet parents:

Health Benefits:

  • Reduces the risk of certain cancers (mammary, uterine, testicular)

  • Eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra)

  • Can lead to a longer, healthier life

Behavioral Benefits:

  • Decreases hormone-driven behaviors like marking, roaming, and vocalizing

  • May reduce aggression or dominance behaviors in some pets

Community Benefits:

  • Helps prevent overpopulation and the strain on shelters and rescues

  • Reduces the number of homeless animals in the community

When Should My Pet Be Spayed or Neutered?

Most pets are spayed or neutered between 4 to 6 months of age, but timing can vary based on breed, size, and individual health. Your veterinarian will guide you on the ideal timing based on your pet’s needs.

What to Expect

  1. Pre-surgical exam and bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy for anesthesia

  2. Safe anesthesia protocol tailored to your pet's size, age, and breed

  3. Surgical sterilization performed by an experienced veterinary team in a sterile environment

  4. Monitoring and pain control throughout the procedure and during recovery

  5. Discharge instructions and home care plan to help your pet heal comfortably

We also provide optional post-operative checkups to ensure the incision is healing properly and that your pet is back to their usual self.

Spaying or neutering is a simple procedure that leads to lifelong health and behavioral benefits. Our team is here to answer any questions and support you every step of the way—from the first exam through full recovery.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Cottage Pet Hospital only sees cats and dogs.

Cottage Pet Hospital accepts debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) checks, and cash. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card. We also accept CareCredit and Scratchpay. To learn more about our payment options, please visit our payment options page.

Cottage Pet Hospital is open 7 days a week! Monday - Friday: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Cottage Pet Hospital accepts booking on Mondays through Fridays, we prefer to see patients by appointment, which allows us to efficiently schedule a special time for you and your pet. Our receptionists and team will attempt to accommodate all requests to the best of our ability. Appointments are required every day of the week, but can accept walk-ins Monday-Friday upon availability. We also offer convenient drop-off appointments at no extra charge, please call for details! Emergencies are accepted anytime our clinic is open. If you feel you have an emergency with your pet, please call us or come to the hospital immediately. If possible it is best to call before coming in so that a staff member can advise you on your particular emergency. Please understand that we do see pets based on urgency, so if an emergency situation arises at the time of your appointment, please be patient, as you will also receive our undivided attention as soon as possible!

At Cottage Pet Hospital Your veterinarian will start the exam by asking you questions about your pet's lifestyle, diet, and health history. It is important to mention any unusual behavior such as: - Excessive urination - Excessive drinking of water - Excessive panting - Eating more or less than usual - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Excessive scratching - Coughing - Weight gain - Difficulty walking, running, or getting up in the morning In some circumstances, Dr. Sahai, DVM will refer you to a specialist who has advanced expertise in areas such as internal medicine or surgery. Having a healthy pet can provide you peace of mind and a very happy four-legged buddy. Regular wellness exams will allow both you and your pet to live a long life together!

Keeping your pet healthy starts with you and a visit to your veterinary doctor for a wellness exam. Here at Cottage Pet Hospital Regular wellness exams can help detect problems in its early stages, which is especially important with older patients. A typical wellness exam can include a physical exam, vaccinations, blood tests, urinalysis, and a parasite screening. These wellness checks and vaccinations can help prevent life-threatening diseases. Without prevention, your pet could become very sick and can be very expensive to treat. Only a professional can provide a proper evaluation of your furbaby's overall health. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations for your pet based on their age, sex, and breed. Regular exams can offer suggestions specifically made for your pet's diet, playtime, and lifestyle based on their health and risk factors.