February is national “Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.” The purpose is to encourage people to have their pets sterilized before the spring and summer months when there are increased opportunities for unwanted pregnancies.
What is Spaying/Neutering?
Spaying and neutering are relatively safe and painless operations.
Spaying is the procedure used for females that removes the uterus and ovaries, therefore removing the heat cycle. Dogs can go into heat every 6 months for 14-21 days a year. Cats can go into heat for 3-15 days as many as three times a year.
Neutering, the procedure used for males, removes the testicles from the animals. Spaying and neuter provide several health benefits as well as preventing unwanted puppies and kittens.
Why Spay/Neuter?
Spayed/neutered dogs and cats are likely to be more content. They experience less discomfort, distress, and distractions. They tend to make better family members and may live longer than unaltered animals.
Neutering reduces roaming behaviors associated with the male’s search for a mate. Because of the reduced risk of roaming, they have a lower risk of engaging in fights, getting injuries or killed on roadways.
Neutered males are less likely to develop prostate problems and testicular tumors.
Spayed females rarely develop mammary gland tumors, and cannot develop uterine or ovarian cancer.
When fewer animals reproduce, fewer animals lose their lives in animal shelters or on the streets because there were not enough homes for them.
Where can I get the spay/neuter done in San Antonio, TX?
We do not offer spay or neuter services at the Pet Vaccination Clinic, but do recommend checking these resources for free* or low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in San Antonio, Texas. The cost of surgery varies based on clinic location, age, size, sex, and health of the animal.
Brooks Spay/Neuter Clinic
(210) 963-7150
San Antonio Humane Society
(210) 226-7461
Animal Defense League
(210) 655-1481 (ext. 104 or 112)
*Subject to Funding Availability with free services for City of San Antonio residents in eligible zip codes only. All others may qualify for low-cost services. Call the listed provider of your choice above for more info. Eligible Zip Codes for Free Spay/Neuter: 78201, 78202, 78203, 78204, 78207, 78208, 78210, 78211, 78212, 78213, 78214, 78218, 78220, 78221, 78222, 78223, 78224, 78225, 78227, 78228, 78235, 78237, & 78242
How old should be pet be for Spay/Neuter surgery?
For a puppy or kitten, our recommended window to spay/neuter is between 4 months and 6 months of age, between finishing the last vaccinations and reaching sexual maturity. If you wait longer, you increase the risk of your pet becoming pregnant or impregnating another dog/cat.
If you’re planning to spay or neuter your pet, we can provide their vaccinations to meet the requirements for surgery.
It’s best to contact your local spay/neuter clinic to see what their requirements for age, weight, sex, and breed are. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s personal health situation.
I have stray cats in the neighborhood, can I get them spayed/neutered?
Check the City of San Antonio’s website to read more about the Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program. An excerpt from their website:
“TNR is a program in which community cats are humanely trapped, evaluated, vaccinated, sterilized, and marked by an identifying notch in the left ear, all administered by a veterinarian, and returned to the trap location. TNR is a proven method that is both humane and effective. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed and neutered to prevent any future production of offspring, and are returned to their original colony.”
The Spay/Neuter surgery for TNR of feral cats is free through the ACS Community Cat Program.
Do I have to wait for my dog to have her first litter before spay?
There is no medical evidence that you should wait for your pet to have a litter before spaying. The main problem with waiting for them to have a litter is the contribution to the overpopulation problem of pets and the added personal hassle of having to find safe, long-term homes for each of the puppies/kittens.
Pet Vaccination Clinic provides efficient and professional care without losing the personal touch.
Dr. Stan Leland opened Pet Vaccination Clinic on June 1, 1985. Since day one, Dr. Leland has provided compassionate care, taking the time to explain animal care thoroughly to clients so they can champion their pet’s health. The Pet Vaccination Clinic is located at 1010 SW Military Drive in San Antonio, TX and offers multiple services including, but not limited to, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, deworming, exams, health certificates, and heartworm preventative. Contact us here to make an appointment.