Spay and Neuter Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
A spayed or neutered pet is a healthier pet. It decreases the risk for breast cancer and uterine infection in females and helps prevent prostate and testicular disease in males. It helps to keep them from “roaming” or running away, and there are currently too many pets and not enough homes in our community. It does not remove their instinct to protect.

At what age should I spay/neuter my dog or cat?
It is best for dogs and cats to be spayed/neutered before puberty which can be as early as 5 months old. We prefer 3 to 4 months old for dogs and cats: the procedure is minimally invasive at this age and patients make a quick recovery.

How young is too young?
The minimum requirement is 2 pounds. This can be as young as 6-8 weeks of age, but the risk involved with anesthesia at this age is slightly greater than it is at 3-6 months of age. In addition, in order to receive rabies vaccination with surgery, the patient must be 12-16 weeks of age.

How old is too old?
If they are healthy, there is no age limit. Older females that are not spayed are at risk for a life threatening infection in their uterus following their heat cycle as well as breast cancer. Older males that are not neutered are at risk for prostate disease or tumors on their testicles.

My dog just started her heat cycle. Can I have her spayed?
Separate her from intact males and schedule her spay in 4 weeks. Even if she gets pregnant, it is safer to spay her early in her pregnancy. Dogs in heat have more pain, more blood loss, and a greater chance for complications during and after surgery. A dog spayed while she is in heat will still attract males and have discharge for several days after surgery. If she is mounted during recovery, it can cause internal bleeding that can cause death.

My cat just started her heat cycle. Can I have her spayed?
The short answer is yes. Cats are supposed to be seasonal breeders and come into heat during spring and summer months. They show signs of heat (very friendly, vocalizing, etc.) for a few days every month until they get pregnant. It can be difficult to determine a cat’s cycle and we would rather spay her while in heat than risk having an unwanted litter.

Can I have my pregnant animal spayed?
Yes. The pregnancy will be terminated. The puppies or kittens will not be saved. If it sounds terrible, consider that over half of each unwanted litter usually cannot find a home and end up suffering more.

How do I wean the puppies or kittens?
This is usually done at 4-5 weeks of age. Prevent nursing for 1-2 weeks. To facilitate Mother’s drying up process, it is acceptable to fast the mother for 24 hours then give 1/2 ration on day 2 before returning to full ration on day 3.

My dog/cat just had a litter. When can she be spayed?
When her milk has dried up. Puppies and kittens should be prevented from nursing mom after 4-5 weeks of age. Allow 2 weeks for mom’s milk to dry up. To facilitate Mother’s drying up process, it is acceptable to fast the mother for 24 hours then give 1/2 ration on day 2 before returning to full ration on day 3.

Does your clinic use anesthesia and pain medication?
Absolutely. We use the safest combination of anesthesia medication available, and we have the advantage of having used it thousands of times. We use multiple types of pain medication before and after surgery, but more importantly, experienced surgeons limit tissue trauma.

Why does it cost less than other veterinary clinics?
Because we focus on spay neuter and well pet care and our clinic is designed to maximize efficiency while conserving resources, we are able to keep our costs down and pass the savings on to our clients. We do it better, for less! If you appreciate our service, please tell your friends.

How long is recovery?
Recovery varies depending on age and personality. Puppies and kittens seem to act normally the very next day. Older patients move slower for 2-3 days and can take up to 3-4 weeks for internal healing. The incision takes 10-14 days to regain most of its strength.

Do I need to come back for suture removal?
No. We close the incision with absorbable sutures.

How do I get financial assistance?
In Oklahoma, contact Best Friends of Pets Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) at www.bestfriendsokc.org or 405-418-8511

Where are you located?
In Moore, OK: 1065 SW 4th St. (off of 4th & Santa Fe Ave)

What time do you open? close?
Check-in for surgery is between 7:45-9:00am. Checkout is usually between 4:30-5:30pm, but a more accurate checkout time may be given at check-in.

What services do you provide?
We provide professional spay neuter & well pet care for dogs and cats. We can give vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick treatment, insert microchips, or perform heartworm & leukemia tests. Call for details! 405-217-9700.

Do you accept check cards or credit cards?
For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Cash and debit cards. Out terminal does not process Care Credit cards.

What days are you open?
We answer the phone Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00am-5:30pm closed on Wednesdays. Our surgery schedule varies, please see our surgery schedule page.

Do I need to bring a crate or kennel?
Please bring your dog on a leash and your cat in a crate or kennel. Cats get scared when you step in the door and tend to run away, sometimes out the door. Please contain your pet in some way.