Spay or Neuter

By spay/neutering you pet you can:

• Prevent severe health conditions and increase pet life expectancy by an average of 3-5 years.  

• Prevent life-threatening health conditions such as certain cancers and pyometra in females.  Conditions as pets are often fatal without surgical intervention and the costly treatments may not always be successful.

• Reduce pet overpopulation and reduce the risk of costly medical complications of pregnancy (such as mastitis).

• Prevent development/ reduce severity of behavioral issues (aggression, marking, escaping/roaming), especially males. 

Is S/N safe? 

As with any surgery, there is always a risk of complication, especially with anesthesia. However, the risk of complications is very low.  The licensed veterinarians who perform these routine procedures evaluate each pet for unique risks – you will be made aware if your pet has a unique risk factor to consider any special procedures.

Read more:  Safety of S/N surgery

When should I spay or neuter my pet?   

Pets should be fixed prior 2 years of age to maximize the health benefits. However, there are still benefits for older pets.  Medical assessment and bloodwork may be needed to ensure safety for pets after 5 years of age.

The earliest age to S/N a pet depends on pet type, breed, size, and known risks.  As young as 3-4 months may be recommended if an unfixed mate is in the household, or if aggression or marking behaviors are beginning.  

Specific AAHA suggestions are:

• Dogs < 45 pounds projected adult body weight: to 6 months

• Dogs > 45 pounds projected adult body weight:

• Males:     between 9 and 15 months

• Females: between 5 to 15 months (balancing risk factors)

• Cats:  by 5 months

Can I get my pet spayed/neutered for lower cost than my regular veterinarian has indicated it will cost?

Yes!  Because of the enormous pet overpopulation problem resulting in daily animal euthanasia, many states and private animal welfare organizations obtain grants to operate low-cost s/n clinics often in affiliation with a shelter/adoption facility.  Some clinics may offer limited free S/N for select residents and pets while other clinics offer limited low cost spaces. 

• State of Maryland S/N info click here

Harford County Maryland Residents 

For assistance with low-cost pet S/N:

DOGS 

Harford Hounds, Inc (HH) helps owners obtain S/N appointments at supporting low-cost S/N clinics and provides transport in many cases (since currently no clinics in Harford County provide low-cost S/N). 

Services include the S/N surgery, e-collar cone, post op anti-inflammatory medicine to go home, nail trim, and low-cost vaccines (with surgery, if needed).  Low-cost Microchipping is also available. Completion of forms and cash payment is required prior services.

If interested send Email to harfordhounds@gmail.com  

Subject: “Spay” or “Neuter” and include the following in body of email:

-   Owner name and phone #

-   Dog Name,

-   Dog Gender,

-   Dog Age/DOB

-   Dog description/breed

-   Dog WEIGHT

CATS only

Contact Shadow Cats  - click here for their website