MoreSpay and Neuter Process Quick Facts
How Much Does it Cost to Spay or Neuter?
These routine surgeries can typically cost up to $200 - $300. Of course, this depends on the vet and the facility. If this doesn't seem affordable to you, remember what we mentioned in our article last year about how the cost of raising one litter of puppies or kittens to adoption age far outweighs the cost to spay or neuter. Also, your community may have low cost spay/neuter clinics and programs available. Please visit the ASPCA's Free and Low Cost Spay/Neuter Database to find lower cost options near you!
When Should I Spay or Neuter?
Even though the procedure is safe beginning at two-months-old for either puppies or kittens, most procedures end up being done between four and six months of age. Talk to your vet about your particular circumstances to find a time that works best for you and your companion pet. Some vets recommend larger breeds wait until nine months of age to try and minimize orthopedic issues for dogs later in life. The consultation with your vet is especially important if you have a female cat or dog and you wish to avoid their first heat cycle, as different breeds can start heat at different times.
Recovery Time
You should be able to pick up your companion pet six to seven hours after the operation is completed. So, if you drop them off in the morning, you would pick them up in the evening. This allows time for the clinic to closely monitor for any complications directly after the procedure. As long as there are no complications, your dog or cat should be healed within 10-14 days. Even though spaying is a more complicated procedure than neutering, the soft tissues still take about the same amount of time to heal.
After Spay or Neuter Tips
During recovery, vets often recommend that your companion wears an e-collar. Not familiar with this? Maybe you recognize the term "cone of shame" better! While these devices do wonders for keeping your companion from irritating the surgical area, they also are fantastic at annoying your dog and yourself. You can save the headache and the bruised shins by picking up some e-collar alternatives, such as the KONG Cloud. For those extra-flexible dogs, sometimes a t-shirt tied back with an old hair tie can help too!
A Long, Happy, Healthy Life
No one looks forward to this procedure, the outcome helps companion pets live a long, happy, and healthy life. Spaying and neutering are an important part of the overall animal population's numbers and health, and also can be very beneficial to improving the quality of your companion animals life. Keep this other side in mind when taking your companion pet in. They'll thank you with cuddles and kisses for years to come!
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