Affordable Spay and Neuter Services in Denver and Chicago

Spaying and neutering is the most common surgery done for dogs and cats.

Here at Sploot, we make sure this routine procedure is done with exceptional care. We ensure a stress-free experience for both pets and pet parents.

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Open 8am-8pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and urgent drop-offs welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
Easily book online or text us.
Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.
Open 8am-8pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and urgent drop-offs welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
Easily book online or text us.
Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.

What is Spaying & Neutering

Both spaying and neutering refer to the removal of the pet’s capacity to reproduce.

Spaying (also known as ovariohysterectomy) is a procedure done on female pets — wherein the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are carefully removed. Neutering (also known as orchiectomy) is a procedure done on male pets — and it involves the careful removal of the testicles.

Why is Spay & Neutering important?

Spaying and Neutering helps protect pets from many serious illnesses, including mammary cancer and testicular cancer in females and males, respectively. Additionally, it reduces aggressive and unwanted behaviors, and prevents pet overpopulation in our communities.

Health and Behavioral Benefits

Both spaying and neutering offer health and behavioral benefits that contribute to the pet’s quality of life and lifespan.
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Benefits of Spaying
Prevents uterine infections
Reduces the risk of developing mammary cancer
Lessened aggression & a more calm behavior in female pets
Lessened desire to run away and roam because of their heat cycle
Benefits of Neutering
Prevents testicular cancer in male pets
Prevents a wide range of prostate problems
Lessened desire to run away and roam to seek a mate
Lessened aggression & a more calm behavior in male pets
Decreased risk of developing perianal tumors

Avoiding Accidental Breeding

Spaying and neutering avoids accidental breeding or pregnancies — thus lessening the chance of having kittens and puppies that won’t have a home.
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Abiding by Municipal Legal Requirements

Some municipalities and regions require pet parents to spay and neuter their pets to prevent pet overpopulation and ensure safety in the community, or require permits if pets are left intact. Check your local municipality’s resources for city specific guidance.
A devoted veterinarian holding a cat, maintaining eye contact with the camera, emphasizing the significance of preventive care for feline well-being

When to Schedule Your Pet for Spaying or Neutering

We recommend that female dogs get spayed at 6 months of age. Meanwhile, male dogs can be neutered between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

Cats can be spayed or neutered a bit earlier, at around 5 months of age.

When you bring your pet in for pre-surgical consultation, our vets will assess other factors (such as breed or weight) that will affect the optimum time for a pet to get spayed or neutered.

Ready to schedule your pet's spaying or neutering?

What to Expect: Spaying & Neutering

Before the Operation

Before your pet is either spayed or neutered, your pet will attend a pre-operative appointment. This appointment includes the following:
01
A full physical exam is done (including blood work) to ensure your pet is healthy for surgery.
02
You will also receive instructions about when to start withholding food from your pet the night before the surgery (However, you can continue giving your pet water at all times).
03
You will be given information about the procedure and post-operative care for your pet.

During the Operation

On the day of the surgery, you’ll drop your pet off with us. Your pet will be with us until the procedure is completed and they’ve recovered from the anesthesia.
For your peace of mind, our team  will send you regular updates throughout the process including texts with videos and photos.

After the Operation

We will let you know when it’s time to pick up your pet. Before you check out, our team will review with you the post-operative treatment plan for the next few days and provide you with any medications needed.

Got Questions?
We’re Here for You

Reach out to our Pet Parent Concierge Team with questions, whether it’s surgery, symptoms, scheduling, or something else!

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We accept scheduled appointments, same-day appointments, & walk-ins.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering are veterinary surgeries that carefully remove parts of the reproductive organs, with the purpose of providing better health and quality of life for pets. Spaying and neutering also prevent unwanted pregnancies and help reduce unethical breeding.

Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

Spaying and neutering carry plenty of health benefits for dogs and cats, such as preventing certain types of cancers and infections. This is one of the main reasons why spaying and neutering are encouraged by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and other organizations.

Spaying and neutering can also help reduce potentially problematic behaviors that are tied to a dog or cat’s instinct to mate — such as a pet’s urge to escape or run away to seek a mate, urine marking, aggression, and mounting/humping other animals.

Last but not least, spaying and neutering are legally required in some municipalities. Make sure to check with your municipality to know if this procedure is mandatory in your place of residence.

Is spaying and neutering a legal requirement in Denver?

Yes. Unless a medical issue prevents a pet from undergoing spaying and neutering safely, these procedures are mandatory for dogs and cats over the age of 6 months. Spaying and neutering are also required for getting the required pet license for dogs and pet license for cats in Denver.

Is spaying and neutering a legal requirement in Chicago?

In Chicago, spaying and neutering is not mandated, although there have been proposals in the past to make them so. Currently, pet parents are required to carry a pet license for pets over 4 months of age; spayed or neutered animals get discounted fees for this pet license.

At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?

The ideal age for spaying or neutering a pet varies on individual factors like breed, overall health, and so on. At Sploot, we do puppy/kitten wellness exams wherein our vets discuss the ideal time for spaying and neutering, along with other preventive care recommendations. In order to maximize the full health benefits offered by spaying and neutering, pet parents need to get their dog or cat spayed or neutered within the prescribed age.

Can I spay or neuter my pet if they are older?

Yes, it is still possible to spay or neuter an older pet. However, this could mean that a pet will not get the full spectrum of health benefits offered by these procedures when done earlier.

How long does spaying or neutering take?

Most spaying and neutering procedures can be completed in under an hour, but are influenced by factors such as the size of the pet, the breed, and other medical considerations.

Does my pet need a pre-surgical consultation before spaying or neutering?

Yes. A pre-op appointment is crucial to ensure a successful and safe surgery.

Does spaying or neutering have any complications?

The vast majority of spaying and neutering procedures are smooth, with no complications. There are rare instances that complications may arise because all types of surgery have potential complications. Should any post-surgical complications arise, reach out to our team and we’ll walk you through the next steps.

Will spaying or neutering my pet change their behavior?

To an extent, spaying and neutering will help reduce potentially problematic behaviors such as the tendency to roam or escape, aggression, urine marking, and mounting other animals. This, however, does not mean that spaying or neutering is a cure-all for all problematic pet behaviors because a pet’s core personality, as well as non-mating-related habits, will likely remain the same after the procedure.

Does spaying or neutering cause weight gain in dogs and cats?

By themselves, spaying and neutering procedures do not cause weight gain in pets. Though these procedures may slow down a pet’s metabolic rate, it generally only takes a balanced diet and sufficient exercise to prevent unhealthy weight gain in spayed or neutered pets.

Can spaying or neutering affect my pet's lifespan?

Spaying and neutering contributes to helping a pet live a long, healthy life. These procedures reduce the likelihood of some life-threatening diseases (e.g. uterine infection, testicular tumors, ovarian cancer, etc.); hence, helping pets avoid these diseases, through spaying or neutering, can save their lives.

What is the recovery process like after spaying or neutering?

Recovery from spaying or neutering takes around 10 - 14 days. Veterinarians will prescribe any needed medication for preventing infections and managing pain during this time. In addition, pet parents are advised to limit their pet’s activity, make sure the dog or cat is wearing recommended protective devices (e.g. cone collars, special clothing), avoid pet baths or contact with dirty water, and adhere to other instructions given by the veterinarian.

How much does my pet’s spaying or neutering cost?

The price of spaying or neutering is affected by the pet’s weight, size, special medical needs, and so on. Here at Sploot, we offer transparent pricing from the get-go. Reach out to our team today to learn more!

Does Sploot Veterinary Care accept pet insurance?

Pet parents may be reimbursed by their pet’s insurance for spaying or neutering if this elective surgery is covered by their insurance plan.

It's important to note that not all pet insurance plans cover spaying and neutering. To make sure that your pet’s insurance covers this treatment, please contact your insurance provider.

When can I schedule my pet for surgical consultation at Sploot Vets?

Schedule your pet’s surgical consultation for spaying or neutering months, weeks, or days in advance. If you need an urgent appointment, we also accept same-day appointments!

What payment options are available in Sploot Vets?

We accept cashless payments only to ensure the safety of our clinics and clients. We happily accept all major credit and debit cards, along with CareCredit and ScratchPay.

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