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November 9, 2009

Where to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

Find the way to get to spay (or neuter)

The Humane Society of the United States

Spaying and neutering are surgeries that are performed by a veterinarian. Some people have their pets spayed and neutered in a private veterinary practice, and there are also clinics that specifically provide spay/neuter services. Services provided at a private veterinary practice tend to cost more than those provided at a spay/neuter clinic. There are even spay/neuter clinics that provide services out of mobile units! But no matter where you go, it is a procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Making the decision to spay or neuter your pet is an important medical decision. Some people choose to consult with their vet to make the decision but obtain the procedure at a local, low-cost spay/neuter clinic.
Here are some ideas for locating low-cost surgery options:

1. Call your local animal shelter. They may operate a local clinic or know of a clinic that offers subsidized services. They may also offer vouchers to have your pet spayed or neutered at a lower cost by local, private veterinarians. You can find your shelter by searching online. You can also look in your phone book. Animal shelters are called by a variety of names, so check in the Yellow Pages under listings such as "animal shelter," "humane society," or "animal control."

2. Call SPAY/USA. SPAY/USA is a national spay/neuter referral network that may be able to direct you to subsidized spay/neuter clinics in your area. SPAY/USA can be reached at 1-800-248-SPAY (7729) or you can visit them online at www.spayusa.org.

3. Call your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may be able to work out special financing options for you. Remember that, even if you pay full price for the procedures, spaying or neutering is a one-time cost with a lifetime of benefits. Spaying or neutering your pet not only helps curb pet overpopulation, but also reduces your pet's risk of succumbing to many later health problems. It remains one of the best bargains in animal health care.

4. View our state-by-state list of organizations that may provide reduced spay/neuter operations in your community.

5. Use your credit card. Ask for a higher credit limit or a cash advance.

6. Contact Care Credit. They offer credit plans for veterinary services.

7. Ask friends or family members for a loan.

8. View a list of spay/neuter resources at Love That Cat.

9. Purchase discounted spay/neuter vouchers from Friends of Animals.

10. Contact your local animal shelter. They may run an ongoing spay/neuter clinic; know of a local, subsidized clinic; or they may offer vouchers for a discount at a local veterinary office. You can find animal shelters in your area through The Shelter Pet Project's website.

11. Contact your HSUS state director. Our state directors are often familiar with organizations in their states and they may be able to tell you of spay/neuter clinics or shelters in your area.

The HSUS recommends that, in addition to preparing for routine pet-care costs, you consider purchasing pet insurance and/or you regularly set aside savings to cover for unexpected veterinary bills. Create a special "pet savings account" and contribute money to it on a regular basis. Even a setting aside just a few dollars out of every paycheck can help offset the expense of future veterinary costs.

Remember that, even if you pay full price for the procedures, spaying or neutering is a one‑time cost with a lifetime of benefits. Spaying or neutering your pet not only helps curb pet overpopulation but also reduces your pet's risk of succumbing to many health problems. It remains one of the best bargains in animal health care.