Spay/Neuter
Every day there are approximately 70,000 puppies and kittens born in the United States. There are not enough homes for all of these babies! Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do to help keep your pet safe, healthy and ensure that they never contribute to the unwanted pet population. Still, having surgery performed on your pet can be scary. Knowing the FACTS can help you make the best decision for your pet.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How old does my pet have to be in order to be spayed or neutered?
A. This varies, depending on the veterinarian performing the surgery. Specific information will be provided when you call to make the appointment. Males should be at least old enough for their testicles to have “dropped”, or be visible, but ideally your pet should be altered before the age of six (6) months.
Q. Do I need to wait until my pet has at least one litter before I have her spayed?
A. Absolutely not! In fact, it is much healthier for your pet if you don’t. Females who are spayed prior to their first “heat” cycle are less likely to develop mammary tumors or breast cancer as adults.
Q. Are there health benefits to having my male pet neutered?
A. Yes, definitely! Having your male neutered at an early age will decrease the probability of prostate disease and cancer in adulthood, as well as help prevent the “annoying” behavior exhibited by many unaltered males.
Q. Isn’t it safer to wait until my pet is a little older to have the surgery, because of the anesthesia?
A. No, in fact, like humans, young animals bounce back from surgery much more quickly than adults. Also, many unaltered pets actually get pregnant before they are 6 months of age, while they are themselves still growing. This is dangerous for your pet, and increases the chances of issues with their health, or that of the babies.
Q. My pet is male, so I don’t really have to worry about unwanted babies, do I?
A. Yes, you do. It takes two to tango! Males younger than 6 months can detect a female in heat for miles, and will often do whatever is necessary to find a mate, even at a young age. Sadly, close to 80% of the dogs hit and killed are unaltered males.
Q. How long will my pet have to stay after surgery?
A. In most instances, your pet will go home the same day. The staff will make sure that your pet is awake and alert, before letting them leave. You will be provided with after-care instructions when you pick up your pet. Unless you are told otherwise, absorbable sutures (female) or sometimes surgical glue (males) is used, so that no follow-up appointment is necessary.
Ready to get your pet fixed? Give us a call at (423) 566-8018!
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Cats - $60
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Dogs - $75
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We do TNR! Do you know a neighborhood cat who is happy outside but still needs to be fixed?
TNR fee - $50
Trap, Neuter, Release is done for feral or other outdoor cats as an effective means of population control, and it can also reduce nuisance behaviors like spraying, yowling, and fighting.
You can borrow a humane trap from us for free, then when you bring us the cat, we will spay or neuter it, give it a rabies shot, and remove the tip of its ear to indicate it has been fixed. The finder is responsible for returning the cat to where it was found.
Trap, Neuter, Release is done for feral or other outdoor cats as an effective means of population control, and it can also reduce nuisance behaviors like spraying, yowling, and fighting.
You can borrow a humane trap from us for free, then when you bring us the cat, we will spay or neuter it, give it a rabies shot, and remove the tip of its ear to indicate it has been fixed. The finder is responsible for returning the cat to where it was found.
If you have a female cat in the City of LaFollette, you qualify for The LaFollette Feline Fix!
For just $10, your cat can be spayed AND vaccinated for rabies and FVRCP! Thanks to a grant from Best Friends Animal Network, we've created this special program to prevent unwanted litters. Further financial assistance may be available and this program will continue as while funding lasts.
Call 423-566-8018 to make an appointment.
Call 423-566-8018 to make an appointment.
