Spaying and Neutering in Edmonton

Whether you’re the proud owner of a new puppy or kitten or you’ve had a family pet for a long time already, you need to understand the importance of having your pet spayed or neutered — sometimes known as having them fixed.

When a pet is spayed (for females) or neutered (for males), the animal’s reproductive organs are removed so they can’t give birth or sire puppies or kittens. At Hamptons Animal Hospital/Spay & Neuter Center, we perform both of these operations for pet owners in the Edmonton area.

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering

Pet owners have a responsibility to have their animals spayed and neutered. When animals such as cats and dogs reach sexual maturity, their behavior can become aggressive and erratic as they seek to find a mate. These behaviors can include roaming, spraying urine, and whining or growling.

When the reproductive organs are removed, the animal loses its drive to find a mate, which eliminates these behaviors. Pets also face less risk for diseases related to their reproductive systems, such as testicular or ovarian cancer.

Finally, because spaying and neutering eliminate the risk of unwanted puppies and kittens, you help to reduce the population of feral or homeless pets in the area. In turn, you help to lessen the weight placed on the local ecosystem. Feral cats, for example, can put a strain on local small animal populations such as birds and rodents.

The Process

Pet spaying and neutering are both safe procedures that can be performed on cats and dogs as young as two months, though most pet owners wait until the animal is between six months and one year old.

For female animals, the spaying process involves removing the uterus and ovaries to prevent pregnancy and heat, or estrus. For males, the testicles and related structures are removed, which prevents aggressive male behaviors such as fighting and humping.

To learn more about spaying or neutering your pet, or to schedule an appointment, call Hamptons Animal Hospital/Spay & Neuter Center at (780) 489-3203.