Spay & Neuter
Help prevent unwanted litters. Help keep pets out of shelters.
Spaying and neutering can help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals entering shelters and rescues. It can also provide important health and behavioral benefits for many pets.
If cost is standing in the way, My Pet’s Legacy can help you search for free and low-cost spay and neuter services near you.
Why is spaying or neutering important?
One unexpected litter can create several animals needing homes. Preventing unintended breeding helps reduce the number of animals entering shelters and rescues.
Fewer unintended litters can mean fewer animals requiring shelter, rescue, foster, and rehoming resources.
Spaying and neutering can provide certain health benefits, although benefits and risks can vary based on the individual animal.
Sterilization may influence certain hormone-related behaviors, but it is not a substitute for training, socialization, or appropriate veterinary or behavioral care.
Preventing accidental breeding is one important part of responsible pet ownership.
When should my pet be spayed or neutered?
There is no single age that is right for every animal. The appropriate timing can vary from pet to pet.
- Dog or cat
- Sex
- Breed
- Adult body size
- Age
- Health
- Development
- Lifestyle
- Reproductive considerations
- Individual veterinary circumstances
Timing recommendations for dogs may differ based on breed, expected adult size, sex, and individual health considerations. Larger and slower-maturing dogs are sometimes discussed differently than smaller dogs.
Cats can reproduce earlier than many people expect, and indoor cats can still have access to unsterilized cats. Many clinics and community programs routinely sterilize cats, and your veterinarian can advise on timing for yours.
Your veterinarian can help determine the most appropriate timing for your individual pet. This page is educational information, not veterinary advice for your pet.
Find affordable spay & neuter near you
Search for free and low-cost spay/neuter programs, clinics, voucher programs, mobile clinics, nonprofit programs, and other qualifying assistance near you. No account needed.
Program pricing, eligibility, and funding change often, and many programs are limited by income, county, species, or appointment availability. A listing does not mean you qualify or that appointments are open — contact the program for current availability.
Already have an unexpected litter?
If your dog or cat has already had an unexpected litter, don’t panic and don’t abandon the animals. Help may be available. Contact local shelters, rescues, veterinary providers, and community animal organizations for guidance, and make a plan to prevent another unintended litter.