Spaying and neutering play a major role in long-term health and responsible pet care. At Haney Animal Hospital, these procedures are performed with careful planning and oversight from an experienced medical team. As a trusted provider of spay & neuter services in Maple Ridge, our goal is to help your pet stay healthy, reduce preventable risks, and give you clarity on what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Many families come to us with questions about timing, safety, and recovery, and we make sure each concern is addressed with clear and practical guidance.

Why Spaying or Neutering Matters

Most pets gain health and behavioral benefits from being spayed or neutered. These surgeries help lower the chance of certain reproductive cancers and reduce behaviors driven by hormones such as roaming, marking, or attempts to escape the home in search of a mate. Many households also notice calmer behavior once hormone-driven habits fade.

Beyond the health of individual pets, these procedures support responsible pet ownership in the broader community. Reducing unexpected litters limits the number of animals entering shelters and creates a more stable environment for pets already in homes. The specific advantages can vary depending on your pet’s age, breed, and overall health, which is why we take time to review your pet’s background before making recommendations.

When Should Your Pet Be Spayed or Neutered

There is no single age that suits every pet, and timing should be considered thoughtfully. For dogs, the typical range is between 6 and 18 months. Smaller breeds often mature faster and may be ready earlier in that window, while larger breeds may benefit from waiting a bit longer to allow for joint development. Cats are generally spayed or neutered around 5 to 6 months, which helps reduce spraying, yowling, and the likelihood of unwanted litters once they reach maturity.

During your consultation, we evaluate your pet’s growth stage, lifestyle, breed tendencies, and medical history. This helps us determine a timeline that balances long-term health benefits with the safest surgical window. If your pet is older, we can still assess whether the procedure is appropriate; many healthy adult pets tolerate surgery well, even if they were not altered at a young age.

What Happens During the Procedure

A smooth and predictable surgical experience depends on careful preparation. Every pet receives a pre-surgical exam and, when appropriate, bloodwork to check organ function. This helps us adjust anesthesia to your pet’s metabolic needs. On surgery day, your pet is monitored closely from induction to recovery. Heart rate, breathing, temperature, and oxygen levels are tracked throughout the procedure.

Spay and neuter surgeries are routine for our medical team. The incisions are kept as small as possible, and pain management is provided before, during, and after surgery. Once the procedure is complete, your pet is moved to recovery where they wake up under supervision. We contact you as soon as they are stable and ready to go home.

Caring for Your Pet After Surgery

Most pets recover quickly when aftercare instructions are followed. You may notice a temporary dip in energy or appetite on the first day, which usually improves by the next morning. The biggest focus at home is protecting the incision and preventing activities that could reopen it.

We typically recommend limiting running, jumping, climbing stairs, or rough play for about 10 to 14 days. An e-collar or protective garment should stay on at all times to prevent licking. The incision should remain clean and dry, and short, supervised potty breaks are ideal during the early recovery period. If you see swelling, redness, discharge, a gap in the incision, or if your pet seems uncomfortable, we encourage you to reach out right away. Early communication prevents small issues from becoming bigger ones.

Common Myths About Spaying and Neutering

Several misunderstandings still circulate about these procedures. One frequent concern is weight gain, but surgery itself does not cause this. Metabolism may slow slightly as pets mature, so adjusting food portions and maintaining activity levels prevents unwanted weight changes. Another concern relates to personality. Your pet’s core temperament does not shift. You may notice reduced hormone-driven habits, but traits such as affection, playfulness, or confidence remain the same.

Some owners also worry about the level of risk involved. While every surgery carries some degree of risk, spay and neuter procedures are among the most commonly performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. With appropriate screening and monitoring, most healthy pets handle them well.

What the Cost Includes

Costs vary based on species, size, age, and any additional needs on the day of surgery. A typical spay or neuter package includes the physical exam, anesthesia, monitoring, the surgical procedure, pain medication, and detailed home-care instructions. We provide a clear estimate before scheduling so you can plan comfortably and understand exactly what is covered.

Why Pet Owners Trust Haney Animal Hospital

Families in Maple Ridge rely on our clinic for careful communication, updated medical protocols, and a steady focus on patient safety. Our team takes time to explain what matters, adjusts anesthesia and pain control to each pet, and remains available for questions after the procedure. Many long-term clients appreciate that our team treats their pets as individuals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach when delivering spay & neuter services in Maple Ridge.

Schedule a Spay or Neuter Appointment

If you’re unsure about timing or want to discuss whether your pet is ready, our team is here to help. Contact Haney Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment or request a consultation.