Sterilising your pets involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries (spaying) or the testicles (neutering), to prevent unintended breeding and to keep pets safe and healthy.
Book an appointment today to get your pet sterilised.
What is spaying or neutering?
Spaying (or ovariohysterectomy) comprises the removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes in female dogs and cats.
Neutering (or castration) is the removal of the testicles in male dogs and cats.
Why should pets be sterilised?
- Spaying your female pet prevents her from going on heat and attracting unwanted attention from unneutered male pets in the neighbourhood, or from roaming herself.
- It prevents unwanted pregnancies (‘backyard breeding’) and the perpetuation of the pet overpopulation problem in South Africa. Ultimately, it prevents unnecessary euthanasia of healthy animals.
- Spaying also greatly reduces the risks of mammary cancer, and prevents your dog or cat from developing pyometra as well as uterine and ovarian cancer.
- Neutering your male pet will remove his need to mate and reduce any aggressive tendencies he may have toward other male pets.
- Reduces the frequency of cat fights (and the potential for resulting injury and infection).
- Removes his need to mark his territory – also eliminates marking behaviour indoors.
- Neutering significantly reduces incidence of prostate cancer and other prostate problems. Prevents testicular cancer.
When should pets be sterilised?
The youngest age at which pets should be sterilised is six months of age.
We recommend that large breed dogs be given the opportunity to mature and for their bones and ligaments to fully develop before sterilisation.
Pets should preferably be sterilised by no later than two years of age.
Learn more
Find out more about sterilisation in our pet article Spaying/Neutering Your Pet.
