This page is dedicated to early spay/neutering. This procedure is also sometimes known as "desexing". This procedure was quite rare in the UK however there are animal shelters and charities now performing this procedure, as well as breeders.

A lot of this information in favour of early spay/neuter below comes from an article published in Veterinary Times written by RSPCA Hospital vets Hayes (BA, VetMB, MRCVS) and Yates (BvSc, MRCVS) who have been performing early spay/neuter for 3 years now. Any direct quotes are indicated. There are many more articles written some of which can be assessed directly through the links at the bottom of this page. We also have a further list of resources from vets reports and papers on this topic as we researched the issue thoroughly before committing to this course of action.

Traditionally the age for spay/neuter is about 5 months (20 weeks ish) however over the past 20 or so years, more vets have opted to perform the operation earlier (from 6 weeks) for the benefits it offers. There is an idea that a bitch needs to have a litter before being spayed, the vet's article mentioned below describes this myth as "clearly outdated".

These are the commonly asked questions asked of us:

Where is the support for early/spay neuter?

Early Spay/Neuter was endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1993.

There is now, according to the article, growing support for this procedure in shelters in the UK and also RSPCA Greater Manchester Hospital vets Hayes and Yates have performed THOUSANDS of these operations over the last three years. Further, a survey in the US where the procedure has become routine over the last 20 years, of 85 vets who had collectively performed 235,000 early spay/neuter procedures reported that the procedures were "easier, faster and safer" - JAVMA 216:(5).

Early spay/neuter is routinely performed in America, Australia and in Europe. The procedure is endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States, The American Kennel Club, The American Humane Association, Davis University School of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine, Pacific Coast SPCA, The Good Neighbor Animal Alliance Center, K9 Haven, Ally Cat Allies, and many more including the International Labradoodle Association.

Why perform the operation on such a young animal?

"Neutering [male cats and] dogs is best done before sexual maturity (or the development of inappropriate sexual behaviors), and that pre-pubertal neutering of bitches eliminates the risk of mammary neoplasia relative to neutering after one or more seasons)" - Veterinary Times article. Basically it ELIMINATES THE RISK OF MAMMARY TUMOURS if done early.

We also find that most families welcome the idea of having the operation and recovery period completed before adoption so there is no chance of an unwanted pregnancy or a male wandering, no inappropriate sexual (usually male....) activity and it is one less thing to organise in a normal busy home.

The scar is minimal - young pups recover quickly and heal fast. They are up and playing with mum and siblings within a hour!

Is it Safe?

The actual techniques used in the surgery are the same however the puppies need less anaesthetic drugs and have a rapid anaesthetic recovery. This is frankly amazing - pups come home with a couple of stitches and within a couple of hours it's as though nothing happened! Also the pups have their mum ready who makes everything better when they arrive home. We too monitor them VERY carefully just in case, and we then take them back a few days later for their post-op check up.

Is there ever a situation when such an operation is not advisable?

Yes of course - our vet would not conduct this operation of both testes were NOT present on a male, or if there was presence of juvenile vaginitis, infantile vulva or incontinence in a female pup. Obviously if the pup was unwell or showed any symptoms of illness then a vet would not perform any procedural operation.

Every pup is evaluated as an individual by a vet prior to surgery, to ensure there is no reason why the procedure should not be conducted.

Is it best for pups?

We believe it is best for our pups, otherwise we wouldn't do it.

Is it commonly used?

The procedure conducted from 6 weeks, has become routine over the last 20 years in shelters abroad particularly in the USA and Australia. It is now growing in popularity with shelters/charities/breeders and vets in the UK though it is still quite unusual.

Is it expensive?

No more expensive than a spay/neuter at 5 months. The cost of our pups INCLUDES the cost of this operation.

Will a bitch still have seasons? No

Do all vets now perform early spay/neuter?

No, not all vets do - however the number may be growing as we hear of more and more people who ask their vets about this procedure before adopting a puppy from us and they are happy for it be done here rather than wait. Articles like the ones appearing in vets magazines and journals may also be increasing the popularity of this procedure. However your vets may still prefer to take a more traditional approach and prefer to have waited until AFTER sexual maturity. We suggest you try researching the topic yourself to make your own decision, if this is the advice you are given.

Where can I research more about this operation?

There are loads of articles on this topic now - here are the ones which are available online: