Spay/Neuter FAQ

What does Spaying or Neutering mean?
Spaying or neutering your cat or dog is a medical term referring to the surgical procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian to prevent a pet from reproducing. Spaying refers to removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes in female animals. The medical term for this is called ovariohysterectomy. While Neutering a male animal involves the removal of the testicles, also know as orchiectomy.

Is the surgery painful and how long is recovery?
Generally the surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually requires an overnight stay with your veterinarian. It is a low risk procedure that is very common. Some animals may experience little pain; your veterinarian who has performed the surgery can prescribe pain medication to make them more comfortable while healing at your request. Most pets are to be kept calm and quiet while healing at home. He/she will have stitches that will need to be removed as directed by your veterinarian.

When should the procedure be done and will my pet become lazy and fat afterwards?
Generally the surgery is performed at as young as 8 weeks old while others will wait until 6 months old. Your veterinarian will decide after a wellness exam.
Too much food and lack of exercise will make a pet overweight, not the surgery.
Of course, after the surgery a veterinarian will recommend no exercise until the stitches come out.

My female is a purebred, what if she has just one litter first?
Spaying your female cat or dog is much healthier for her and medical research shows that it prevents some forms of cancers and extends their life. Birthing mothers are also at risk for complications. Spaying your female will eliminate some behavioral problems and a heat cycle, where the female bleeds. This could be a mess in your home, as some females can bleed for up to 21 days.

Will my male pet be less of a male if he is neutered?
The animal will not know the difference. Neutering a male dog will generally be less prone to aggressive behavior, jumping and mounting furniture, other pets and guests.

I can’t afford the cost of the surgery?
If you are unable to afford the cost of a spay/neuter surgery, you should consider the costs of puppies or kittens; they require shots, de-worming, and veterinary care which can be far more expensive than the cost of one spay/neuter surgery.

Most veterinarians have a care credit program, where as the surgery is done and they allow you to either pay back charges at a later date or make small monthly payments.

Remember it is a one-time expense that will make your pet a happier, healthier part of the family!
 
FAPS believes strongly in combating pet overpopulation therefore, every cat or dog that is surrendered to FAPS will be spayed or neutered, which means that every cat or dog that is adapted out to a loving home will already be "fixed". There is no extra charge for this. It is included in the small surrender or adoption fee.

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