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.

There are many reasons why it is important. The main one would be to help prevent the suffering and deaths of millions of animals. Millions of animals (who were once "cute" kittens and puppies) end up suffering as strays, or are euthanized because they are no longer wanted or cared for. Many of these animals are the result of unwanted and/or unplanned litters. Another reason is to have a better behaved animal.

Unspayed females are allowed to participate in daycare if they are not in heat. If they are in heat or come into heat during their stay at The Velvet Snout, they will be removed from the playgroup and placed into their suite where they will receive walks and individual attention. Unneutered males are taken on a case by case basis andare usually not allowed in playgroups but can board.