• Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of part of the female reproductive tract-the ovaries and uterus.
• Neutering (castration) usually refers to the surgical removal of both testicles of the male pet, although the term can actually refer to sterilization of either sex.

Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

• Your pet will be much less likely to develop a number of serious health problems that can be life-threatening and expensive to treat, such as dystocia, uterine infections (pyometra), certain kinds of cancer, and disorders of the prostate.
• Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to escape and roam. Roaming pets are far more likely to fight with other animals or to experience traumatic injuries, such as being hit by a car.
• Reduces/Prevents urine marking in males
• Spaying a female pet prevents them from coming into heat. Cats in heat will vocalize more. Dogs will leave bloodstains on carpets and furniture. Both may attract unwanted males to your home.
• Spayed or neutered pets are generally more even-tempered and less aggressive.
• Prevents unwanted pregnancy and pet overpopulation

When should I spay/neuter my pet?

• Most dogs and cats should be neutered at 6 months of age, prior to the first heat cycle in females.
• If a kitten must be declawed, we recommend that this be done with the spay/neuter, at 4-6 months of age.

Other considerations prior to and after surgery:

• Pets should be fasted prior to surgery. Do not feed your pet after 10 PM the night before surgery.
• If your pet chews or licks excessively at the incision, we recommend you place an Elizabethan collar (plastic lampshade) on your pet. These can be obtained at our hospital or most pet retail stores. If this is required, be sure your pet can access their food/water bowl while wearing the collar, which is usually necessary for at least 7 – 10 days.
• Pets that have been spayed or neutered require fewer calories than those that have not been “fixed”. Therefore you will need to make feeding adjustments in the months after surgery to prevent weight gain.

Our clinic offers boarding for both cats and dogs. Your pet will be loved and cared for while you are away. Our staff is dedicated to making sure your pet is as comfortable as possible during your absence. We offer day boarding as well as long term boarding.

We have climate controlled indoor kennels, both large and small kennels for dogs, and kitty condos for our feline guests. We have a small outdoor play yard that the dogs are able to get out in at least 3 times a day. Additionally, we offer baths for those canine visitors that have been with us for at least 4 nights at no additional charge to the owner.

We do recommend that you bring your pets own food. If unable to do so, we do offer Royal Canin gastrointestinal diet, at an additional charge per day.

Please note, for the health and safety of all our patients, all pets being boarded must be current on all required vaccinations, and they must have been completed at least 30 days prior to day of arrival.

Canine Vaccinations required:

• DAP
• Leptospirosis
• Bordetella
• Rabies
• Influenza

Feline Vaccines

• Rabies
• FVRCP

We do require proof of vaccines prior to making any boarding arrangements. If planning on staying with us, we recommend printing out the Boarding Agreement to fill out prior to your visit and bring with you or send it to us, to help save some time at check-in.

Bowie Drive Animal Hospital is a flea-free zone. All pets must be current on flea prevention. Those pets found to have fleas will be treated prior to boarding at an additional cost.

Boarding Agreement