Early Spay & Neutering

Early spaying and neutering of pets, sometimes referred to as pediatric spay or neuter, is defined as neutering the pet before it reaches sexual maturity. According to the Web site spayusa.org, kittens and puppies are usually considered for early spaying or neutering if they weigh at least two pounds and are at least two months of age.

  1. Standard Spay and Neuter Protocol

    • Previous standards followed by most veterinarians called for spaying or neutering the pet after six months of age. The current policy of the American Veterinarian Medical Association leaves the decision of whether to neuter a pet earlier than six months to the vet on a case-by-case basis.

    Safety of Early Spay and Neuter

    • Dr. Brenda Griffin is quoted by the Web site spayusa.org as saying that as long as the pet is healthy, the risks of early spay and neuter are no greater than adult neutering.

    Benefits of Early Spay and Neuter

    • Young animals recover from anesthesia quicker than older animals. Incisions heal quicker on pets still in the growing stage of their lives.

    Reasons for Early Neutering

    • Spaying or neutering the animal before it reaches sexual maturity removes even the accidental possibility of an unwanted litter of kittens or puppies occurring before the neutering takes place.

    Early Neutering and Pet Shelters

    • According to Dr. Susan Little, only about 50% of people adopting a puppy or kitten at a shelter follow through and have the animal neutered by the age of six months. Early neutering allows the animal to be spayed or neutered before it is sent home with its new owner, eliminating the possibility of it adding to pet overpopulation.