The MSPCA-Angell is unique in that our organization operates animal medical centers and animal care and adoption centers — both of which provide veterinary services, including spay and neuter surgeries that eliminate the ability for an animal to reproduce. This surgery is also accessed through our outreach programs in communities across Massachusetts. As veterinary research in this area advances, questions about when and if to perform this surgery on an animal may arise. The MSPCA-Angell strongly recommends spay/neuter surgery. We recommend that:
- Cats be spayed or neutered by 5 months of age; and
- Dogs be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age (with individual considerations for large breed dogs that may benefit from delayed surgery, as specifically advised by the pet’s veterinarian based on the dog’s known history, exam, etc.)
The benefits of spaying and neutering are numerous.
- Healthwise, the benefits include the prevention of pyometra (a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus) and ovarian and uterine cancers.
- The incidence of mammary cancer is dramatically reduced when animals are spayed at a young age.
- Neutering eliminates the risk of a benign enlarged prostate, which causes difficulty urinating and defecating and creates a urinary obstruction.
- Spaying and neutering can also help prevent unwanted behaviors, such as spraying in male cats and efforts to escape to roam.
Additionally, by preventing unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, sterilization efforts in both shelters and veterinary hospitals have played a critical role in decreasing community overpopulation, leading to a decreased number of animals entering shelters and decreased unnecessary euthanasia of homeless animals.
The decision of when to have an animal spayed or neutered is multifactorial and includes balancing an animal’s health needs and the social responsibility to reduce the homeless animal population.
The MSPCA-Angell was a pioneer in early spay/neuter (8 weeks of age). Studies show that pediatric spay/neuter is safe and effective with minimal short — or long-term side effects. Our animal care and adoption centers spay/neuter dogs and cats at 8 to 12 weeks of age to ensure adopted animals do not contribute to overpopulation.
We encourage owners to discuss options with their veterinarian regarding the desired age to spay or neuter their individual animal.
