Spay and neuter services

What does spaying or neutering do for my pet’s health?

Spaying and neutering are simple ways to keep your pet healthy and help reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs. Spaying can lower the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections and stops heat cycles altogether.

Neutering helps prevent testicular cancer and some prostate problems. Both surgeries can also calm unwanted behaviors like aggression, marking, and wandering.

What’s the right age for my pet’s spay or neuter surgery?

For most dogs, spaying and neutering between 6 and 9 months of age is ideal. For large or giant breed dogs, it’s best to wait until they’re a little older so their bones can fully mature.

For cats, both spays and neuters should be performed around 6 months of age.

While it’s possible to spay/neuter too early, it’s never too late. If you have an older pet who isn’t spayed/neutered, we can discuss the best timing at your wellness exam.

What should I expect on the day of my pet’s surgery?

Before your pet’s spay or neuter, we’ll meet for a quick pre-surgery appointment to talk through the procedure and check their health. This includes a physical exam and bloodwork to make sure your pet is ready for anesthesia.

The night before, stop feeding your pet after midnight, but water is fine until the morning. Be sure everyone at home knows so your pet does not get an accidental breakfast treat.

On surgery day, you’ll bring your pet in during the morning and leave them with us until the procedure and recovery are complete. We’ll keep you updated along the way and let you know when it’s time to come pick them up.

What does my pet need during their recovery?

Most pets bounce back pretty quickly after a spay or neuter. Some mild sleepiness or fussiness after anesthesia is totally normal. Even if your pet seems ready to play, it is best to keep them calm to help them heal. Dogs should only go for short, gentle walks on a leash. Your vet will let you know exactly how long recovery should take for your pet.

Set up a quiet space where your pet can rest without running or jumping. Keep your dog’s bedding clean and dry, and for cats, make sure their litter box is close by. Take away any toys that encourage rough play. Instead, offer chew toys or food puzzles for calm fun. If needed, we can prescribe medication to help them stay relaxed.

We may also send your pet home with pain medication and an E-collar (Elizabethan collar) to stop them from licking or chewing their incision.

Within 10 to 14 days after surgery, we will see your pet for a free follow-up visit to make sure everything is healing nicely and remove stitches if needed.

Are there any risks with spaying or neutering my pet?

Like any surgery, spaying and neutering carry small risks, but these procedures are very safe and performed every day with great success. Before surgery, our vets will run a few quick tests to make sure your pet is healthy and ready for anesthesia.

Will my pet need a checkup before surgery day?

Yes! Before any surgery, our vets will give your pet a quick checkup to make sure everything looks great. We’ll do a physical exam and some bloodwork to confirm your pet is healthy and that it’s safe for them to go under anesthesia.

Will my pet feel pain during or after their spay or neuter procedure?

Your pet will be completely comfortable during their spay or neuter thanks to anesthesia. We also use pain relief and local numbing medication as needed. After the procedure, we’ll send you home with pain medication to make sure your pet stays relaxed and comfortable while they heal.

Can spaying or neutering help calm my pet’s behaviour?

Spaying and neutering usually help with marking and aggression, but if your pet has already learned these habits, they might need a little extra support. Our vets can provide behavioural advice, show you ways to manage these behaviours, and connect you with a great trainer for additional help.

Should I wait until my female pet has been in heat to spay her?

For small dogs and cats, there is no evidence that waiting for a heat cycle provides any health benefits. For larger dogs, it is generally best to wait until they are more mature to allow for proper growth and development.

Can my pet be spayed while she’s in heat?

For dogs, it’s best to wait about two months after their heat ends before spaying. Doing the surgery during heat can cause more bleeding. Cats can sometimes be spayed while in heat, but it’s safest to do it before they start their cycle.

How can I tell if my pet has started her heat cycle?

When your pet is in heat, you might notice her vulva looks a bit swollen, and she may have a small amount of bloody discharge. She could start urinating more often and act a little restless or extra vocal. It’s also normal for her to show more interest in male pets, especially ones who aren’t neutered.

When is the right time to spay my pet after she’s had babies?

It’s best to wait around two months after your pet’s puppies or kittens are weaned before spaying her. This gives her body plenty of time to rest, heal, and get back to normal.

Can my pet have other procedures done while being spayed or neutered?

Yes, certain surgeries can be done at the same time as a spay or neuter, which means your pet only needs anesthesia once. The decision depends on what kind of procedure is being done and how complex it is. Sometimes, it’s better to space out the surgeries for your pet’s comfort and safety. Our vets will talk through what’s best for your pet during the pre-surgery visit.

How can I help my pet’s incision heal safely?

You don’t need to clean your pet’s incision, but keep an eye out for any swelling, redness, or discharge. If something doesn’t look right, send a quick picture to the Juno virtual care team so they can take a look. Make sure your pet keeps their E-collar (Elizabethan collar), surgical pyjamas, or other protection on until the stitches come out since licking the area can easily lead to infection.

Can I bathe my pet or let them swim while they’re healing?

No, it’s best to avoid baths and swimming until your pet’s incision has completely healed. Keeping your pet inside helps prevent dirt, soap, or water from getting into the wound and causing an infection. If you think your pet really needs a bath during recovery, reach out to the virtual care team for advice before doing so.

How much will it cost to have my pet spayed or neutered?

The cost of surgery can change based on your pet’s size, health, and other factors. We’re committed to being transparent about pricing, so you’ll always know the full cost before your pet’s procedure. If you have any questions about costs, we’re happy to help, just reach out anytime.

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