Clients frequently ask when is the correct time to spay or neuter their pets. This is a question filled with controversy due to press coverage and information that is taken out of contest or even false claims in the press.

Here is a very good and balanced article on Petplace: To Neuter or Not to Neuter – What You Should Know.

This article above will provide you a full thought process as to the pros and cons, studies to date.

The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests the optimal age to spay and neuter dogs and cats is 6 months. I recently called Ohio State and asked their outpatient department when they recommend to spay and neuter dogs and cats and their answer was 6 months.

Here are the scientific articles published in the AVMA:

Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats

 Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs

 Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in cats

Please let us know if you have additional questions about spaying and neutering your pet.