Most female cats and dogs come into heat at an average age of seven months, therefore we recommend spaying before this age.  The best time for spaying is six months, because the animal is an ideal size for handling anesthesia and they have not come into heat yet.  If you are not planning to breed your animal, spaying is the next best action for numerous reasons, including prevention of problems associated with childbirth and heat cycles such as bleeding and wandering off to possible injury.  Spaying can also prevent later health problems with a cat or dog's reproductive tract, such as pyometra (infected uterus) and cancers in the uterus and ovaries.  Most importantly, it keeps a dog or cat from birthing unwanted kittens and puppies that could later birth more unwanted kittens and pups. The surgery consists of removal of the uterus and both ovaries and is performed under general anesthesia.

      Most male cats and dogs become sexually active between nine and twelve months of age.  We recommend neutering your cat or dog at six months.  Castration, or neuter, has several advantages for male cats and dogs including a less tendency for them to spray or "mark" their territory, lessening their aggression, and helping to prevent them from wandering off in search of a female in heat.  Castration also makes cats and dogs less prone to problems with their reproductive organs, including infections and cancers associated with prostates.  Castration consists of removal of both testicles, and is performed under general anesthesia.

     The cost for spaying or neutering depends on the sex, age, size, and condition of your pet, but it is a one-time cost, and a relatively small one when compared to the numerous benefits.