What is neutering?

Neutering involves removing the reproductive organs from your pet so that they can no longer breed. The surgery is called a spay for females, and a castration for males.

Getting your pet neutered is an important decision and it’s smart to have much information as possible. At Hello Vet, we’ll talk you through the procedure, the estimated recovery time, any potential risks, and what to expect afterward, so you can feel confident in your decision-making.

Stay With Your Pet During Procedures

You are the best comfort for your pet. Hello Vet is the first clinic in the UK designed to keep you and your pet together when they need a procedure. If you wish, you can be present when we prepare them for anaesthesia, allowing you to reassure them as they fall asleep, and be there with them as soon as they wake up.

How we can help

Dog castration (male dog neutering)

Castrating your male dog prevents them from reproducing and can help with certain challenging behaviours. It’s a decision that depends on a few individual factors, especially for puppies, so we recommend chatting with our clinical team to help you decide what’s right for your dog.

Bitch spay (female dog neutering)

Spaying your female dog prevents them from reproducing and helps protect against certain cancers. We recommend speaking with our clinical team about the best timing and approach for your dog.

Cat castration (male cat neutering)

Castrating your male cat prevents them from reproducing and can help reduce unwanted behaviours like roaming and urine spraying. For kittens, castration usually takes place around four to six months old, once they’ve had their primary vaccinations.

Cat spay (female cat neutering)

Spaying your female cat or kitten prevents them from having offspring and lowers the risk of certain cancers. We recommend neutering for all female cats, and we’re happy to talk through the timing and process with you.

What to expect

1

Complete your consent form

A digital consent form and pre-op instructions will be sent to you once the surgery is booked. Please fill this out before arriving. If you have questions, we'll go over everything on the morning of the surgery.

2

Fasting: no food after midnight

Please make sure that your pet does not eat after midnight on the night before surgery and that they are as clean as possible.

3

On the day of surgery

A vet or nurse will admit your pet and review your consent form. You can stay with your pet until surgery begins, then use our quiet room, co-working space, or head home. We’ll call once they’re awake.

4

Aftercare

After surgery, we will send you post-op instructions and schedule follow-up checks, which can be done digitally or in person.

Questions you might have

What are the benefits of castrating my dog/cat?

Besides removing your pet's ability to breed, additional potential benefits include a reduced risk of roaming behaviour, testicular cancer, and certain types of aggressive behaviour in males and a reduced risk of pyometra, attracting males, phantom pregnancies, and mammary cancer in females.

Do you offer laparoscopic spays?

Yes, we offer laparoscopic spays at our clinic. This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and specialized instruments, which can lead to quicker recovery times and less pain for your pet. Laparoscopic spaying is a great option for pet owners looking for a less traumatic surgical experience for their animals. Please contact us for more details on scheduling and pricing.

What can I expect post-operatively?

After your pet's surgery, you can expect some grogginess as the anesthesia wears off. It's normal for them to be a bit disoriented. You should monitor the surgical site for any signs of swelling or discharge. Most pets will need to rest for a few days and may require a cone to prevent them from licking the incision. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure proper healing.

Is it necessary to have my pet neutered?

Neutering is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended for various reasons. It helps control the pet population, reduces the risk of certain health issues, and can improve behavior. Many veterinarians advocate for neutering as a responsible choice for pet owners. Discuss with your vet to understand the best options for your pet's health and well-being.

4.98 avg.

Check-ins and photo updates

They kept in contact with me via WhatsApp to check in post-op, and even answered questions to some of my worries to help put me at ease before the appointment. Best vet company I’ve ever experienced! Plus they sent me a photo update of my cat once she had got settled.

Yuki’s human

Compassionate care

My little Cleft Palate puppy Biscuit had his neutering operation carried out at Hello Vet London Fields. I can honestly say the whole experience was nothing short of magical for both Biscuit and myself as his owner. I cannot thank them enough.

Biscuit’s human

Outstanding service

We recently got two kittens spayed at Hello Vet. The service we received was outstanding. Every vet we met was attentive, compassionate and seemed very knowledgeable. They have set the bar high for other vets.

Maggie & Oliver’s human

Fear-free spay procedure

Ella was spayed on Tuesday and I was dreading it - however, it was straightforward and she was not stressed at all. I stayed with her while she was anaesthetised and again when she came round. We were both looked after really well. The follow up was good and she is healing fast.

Ella’s human

No issue too small

I've brought my kitten here for exams, vaccinations, spay procedure, travel documents etc.— easily the best vet experience I've ever had. The staff are very kind and responsive to any issue you may have, no matter how small.

Sorrel & Stevie’s human

Calm surgery

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the amazing team at Hello Vet for taking such great care of Cookie during his neutering. From the moment we arrived, everyone was super friendly and professional, making me feel completely at ease.

Cookie's Human

Veterinary care that’s better for all of us

Better for your pet

We've redesigned vet care, from your pet's perspective. Calming care in clinics purpose-built for anxious pets.

Better for you

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Dr. Christian LeVan, Clinical Director

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