Veterinarians will have their own opinions on this, but in general, after a rabbit is 6 years old, anesthetics and surgery become more risky. It is always a good idea, in a rabbit over 2 years of age, to have a very thorough health check done, including full blood work. This may be more expensive than the surgery, but it will help detect any condition which could make the surgery more risky. This is especially important if anesthetics other than isofluorene are used.

There are many factors to consider in selecting the correct time to spay or neuter your pet. Most veterinarians will suggest doing it shortly after the completion of puppy vaccines, which is around five months of age. In the case of male pets it may be an especially good idea to neuter them at this time before they develop bad habits, such as aggression.

Spaying a dog or cat before their first heat cycle virtually eliminates the possibility of the pet getting breast cancer. Neutering will limit the possibility of the pet getting testicular cancer and greatly cut down on prostate problems. Spaying and neutering sterilizes the animal and thus reduces unwanted litters. It also may reduce undesirable behaviors such as spraying, marking, straying, aggression towards other animals and mating behaviors.

Spaying and neutering your pet are recommended at 6 months of age. Current vaccinations are also required at the time of surgery.

Spaying or neutering your puppy can not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but can also prevent some health problems later in life. It is recommended that females be spayed before their first heat cycle (which usually occurs at around 6 months of age). Males should also be neutered in the first 6 months.

If your dog was not previously licensed you will need to get an Unaltered Dog Permit. The cost is $50. This provision of the ordinance will become effective April 5, 2007. We strongly recommend that you spay or neuter your dog if you are not a breeder, or involved in other activities that would dissuade you from doing so. If you are in your own yard with your puppy or dog the animals should either be confined in a secure enclosure or accompanied by the owner and under his/her direct control.

A6. Yes, all are spayed or neutered before adoption, unless there is a medical reason not to (cancer, or age). Any puppies too young for the procedure will be adopted out with a stipulation in the adoption contract that it will be done at the proper age. We will do a follow-up with the adopter to be sure this is taken care of. The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability.

While technically a cat or dog can be spayed/neutered at any age, it is best to perform the surgery while the animal is young and healthy to reduce anesthetic and surgical risks.

The American Humane Society estimates that more than 15,000,000 healthy, friendly dogs and cats will be euthanized this year simply because they are "unwanted." The only way to reduce the number of euthanizations is to reduce the number being born. A significant number of "pure breed" animals are euthanized in shelters every year. Providing intact animals to back yard breeders would only increase this number.

Yes. Both male and female ferrets have a very strong odor while in heat. Male ferrets will become very aggressive to other ferrets, to the point of injuring or even killing other ferrets. Female ferrets, if not bred every year, will develop aplastic anemia, and will die. Breeding is very difficult and not recommended. First time mothers will not always take care of their kits, and another nursing mother needs to be willing to take care of the kits. No.

If you are adopting a new pet, the answer is NO -- every animal must be sterilized before the animal is adopted to a new owner. There are certain very limited medical exceptions, but please assume that your new pet will be sterilized before you can take the animal home. This is shelter policy.

The SPCA of Central Florida firmly believes that in order to end pet over population, we must do our best to control the problem. For every person that is born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are born. There are too many animals and not enough homes! Every adopted pet and will be spayed/neutered before it leaves for its new home.

I've only encountered one case of a vet recommending not to spay a kitten because it was FeLV+. Repeated heat cycles are very stressful on queens, and for this reason it is recommended that kittens be spayed. Toms should be neutered to lower the risk of roaming and spreading the disease. It is true that there is a small added risk to anesthetizing an FeLV+ cat, but that risk will well worth the alternatives.