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| What is SPAY/USA all about? SPAY/USA, a program of the North Shore Animal League America, , is a network of volunteers and veterinarians working together to popularize and facilitate spay/neuter services through a nationwide referral service. Our mission is to end cat/dog overpopulation. We put people in touch with veterinarians or programs in their area that will spay/neuter cats and dogs affordably. Where no programs exist, we help volunteers start them, and we hold conferences annually to empower volunteers to create successful programs, coalitions and statewide networks wherever possible. top of page |
| Is the spay/neuter surgery for my cat/dog free? The surgery is not free. However, many places have very low-cost surgeries, especially for people with low income. Some programs and clinics are open to all regardless of income. Each program is different, and we have about 1,000 programs nationwide. We try to match you with the most appropriate and nearest clinic or veterinarian. Clients are required to pay the veterinarian at the time of surgery. top of page |
| How much will the spay/neuter surgery cost? Prices vary by region and veterinarian. The price for vaccinations, which are often required will also vary by region and veterinarian. However, they are usually offered at a reduced rate. If you have researched the going rate for spay/neuter surgery in your area, we think you will find that our participating vets and programs offer affordable rates! top of page |
| Are the veterinarians you refer callers to inexperienced or bad, because their rates are cheaper? Our 7,000 veterinarians are among the best and the brightest of all the 30,000 small animal practitioners in the U.S. They combine surgery skills with public service, aware that many people do not alter their pets because of the high surgery cost. Please thank the vet if you get a chance. He or she has reduced the cost for you! All our vets are licensed. top of page |
| How old does my pet need to be in order to be spayed or neutered? For many years, veterinarians were taught that cats and dogs had to be a year old to be spayed or neutered. Later, they were taught that six months was appropriate. Today we know that kittens and pups can be spayed or neutered at the age of two months (or two pounds). The American Veterinary Medical Association has endorsed this practice called Early Age Neutering; the animals recover more quickly from surgery when they are young. Today some vets will spay/neuter at eight weeks of age, while other adhere to the old practice of six months of age. The average age at which pets are spayed or neutered is four months. top of page |
| How young can a female cat/dog get pregnant? "Adolescent" cats and dogs as young as five months can get pregnant. For many reasons, it is important to spay or neuter BEFORE the first litter is born - before six months. top of page |
| Can brother and sister from the same litter mate? A brother and sister from the same litter can create their own litters by the age of five months. It is not a good idea to allow this to happen. top of page |
| How long after my female cat/dog has had kittens/puppies can I get her spayed? Mother cats or dogs can become pregnant while nursing. It is important to keep a nursing mother away from other adult cats/dogs of the opposite sex. One can spay a mother as soon as the kittens or pups are weaned, (5 to 6 weeks for kittens and 4 to 5 weeks for puppies) and because of the risk of pregnancy this should be done. top of page |
| Will neutering my male cat stop him from spraying? It is best to alter males before they reach five months of age, and before they start “spraying” or “marking.” Even if a cat has started spraying, neutering may help. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the hormones to subside after the neutering. Neutering helps prevent spraying, roaming and aggressive behavior. top of page |
| How much does a coupon/certificate cost? We send out information about your nearest vet or program on a slip/certificate which costs you nothing! It does cost us something to find the programs, to take the call, to send out the slips, and to run this program so we would appreciate a small donation if you are able to send one. However, we never have, and never will, charge for this service. It is a public service designed to end pet overpopulation nationwide, and we - and you - are part of this effort. Clients are required to pay the veterinarian directly, at the time of service. top of page |
| How do I obtain a coupon/certificate? You can obtain a certificate by calling our toll-free number 1-800-248-SPAY or filling out the online registration form on the Pets911 site. top of page |
| What do I do when I get the certificate? The certificate we mail you will give you the address, phone number and name of the veterinarian or program nearest you. When you receive the certificate call the vet or clinic to make an appointment. You will pay for service at the time of your appointment. top of page |
| Does the certificate expire? While there is no "expiration date" on our certificates, we encourage people to use them as soon as possible. It is easy to put off making an appointment, but it only takes a minute of carelessness to have a litter of kittens or pups. top of page |
| Can someone help me trap feral cats? If you need help with trapping feral (wild) cats in your area, you should contact Alley Cat Allies at (202) 667-3630 or e-mail them at alleycat@alleycat.org and ask for a packet of information and/or any contacts in your area who work with feral cats. top of page |
| I want to have my cat declawed, can you help me? We are very opposed to declawing cats. It is the equivalent of cutting off the tips of our fingers. It can be painful even after the surgery is long done, and may even lead to the kinds of rebellious behavior only cats can devise. We suggest offering different kinds of scratching posts - corrugated cardboard, hemp, etc, throwing sheets over sofas that are claw targets, using the new sprays that discourage scratching - and NOT buying leather sofas! We ask our vets NOT to give any discounts on declawing. top of page |
| Will my cat or dog feel pain during surgery? Your cat or dog will be under anesthesia during surgery, and will feel no pain. You should keep the animal quiet after surgery while she or he heals. Dogs and cats should be kept indoors; dogs walked on a leash. top of page |
| My cat/dog is sick will the veterinarians give me a discount on medical treatment? Your animal should be in good health when she or he goes in for surgery. If you have a sick cat or dog, you should speak with your vet about treatment. Other pet owners in your area may know of a good, reasonably priced vet. The vets who work with us have given us special rates for the spay/neuter surgery but this is not an ongoing discount. top of page |
| Will may animal’s behavior change after being altered? Your animal’s behavior will not change except that male dogs and cats will be less likely to fight, roam and spayed females will no longer go into heat. top of page |
| Will my animal become fat and lazy after being altered? Your animal will not get fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered unless you feed him/her too much. To keep your pet healthy they should get regular exercise: walking for dogs, toys and scratching posts for cats. top of page |
| Where can I find spaying/neutering for rabbits? You should contact House Rabbit Society or if you need to spay or neuter a rabbit. top of page |
If you live outside the above listed areas, please fill out the Registration Form to be referred to a low-cost clinic in your area.