Pet Spay and Neuter in San Francisco
Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most responsible and beneficial decisions you can make. At SF Vet Hospital, we provide safe, compassionate care for dog and cat spay or neuter procedures, supporting your pet’s long-term health while helping prevent overpopulation.
San Francisco Spay & Neuter Clinic Services
Our team is committed to making spay and neuter procedures as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether your pet is a playful kitten, a curious puppy, or a newly adopted adult, we’ll guide you through every step—from pre-op care to post-surgery recovery.
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) offer several benefits beyond birth control. These procedures can prevent serious medical conditions and help improve your pet’s behavior and quality of life.
Dog Spay & Neuter Services
Spaying or neutering your dog doesn’t just prevent unwanted litters — it can reduce hormone-driven behaviors like roaming, marking, and aggression.
Dog spaying involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus to prevent heat cycles, mammary tumors, and uterine infections.
Dog neutering involves the removal of the testicles to prevent testicular cancer and reduce prostate issues.
We recommend most dogs be spayed or neutered around six months of age, though the timing may vary based on size and breed. Our veterinarians will help you determine the best age and approach for your dog.
Benefits of dog spaying and neutering:
- Reduced risk of mammary and testicular cancer
- Fewer hormone-related behaviors, like mounting or escaping
- Less risk of injury from fighting or roaming
- Prevention of uterine infections (pyometra)
Cat Spay & Neuter Services
As a San Francisco spay and neuter clinic, we understand the critical role these procedures play in managing the feline population. Spaying and neutering cats also offer significant health and behavioral advantages.
Cat spay (ovariohysterectomy) prevents ovarian and uterine diseases as well as loud vocalizations during heat cycles.
Cat neutering helps reduce territorial spraying, roaming, and fighting behaviors while preventing testicular cancer.
Kittens can usually be safely spayed or neutered starting around six months of age.
Benefits of cat spaying and neutering:
- Prevents pregnancy and overpopulation
- Reduces the risk of mammary, ovarian, and testicular cancers
- Curbs aggressive and mating behaviors
- Helps reduce marking and nighttime vocalizations
What to Expect: Before & After Surgery
Before surgery, we’ll perform a full physical exam and run blood work to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. We may also recommend pre-anesthetic ECG screening.
After the procedure, your pet will need quiet rest, limited activity, and to wear an e-collar to prevent licking or biting at the incision site. We’ll send you home with clear post-operative instructions and any needed medications for pain and healing.
Typical recovery timeline:
- 10–14 days of rest and cone use
- No bathing, swimming, or off-leash activity
- Stitches removed or dissolved based on the procedure type
Have questions? Our team is always available to support you throughout your pet’s recovery.
Caring, Responsible Spay and Neuter Surgery in San Francisco
Whether you’re scheduling a dog neuter, cat spay, or exploring the right time to plan your pet’s surgery, we’re here to help. At SF Vet Hospital, our goal is to keep pets healthy and pet parents informed — every step of the way.
Preventative Pet Care
Veterinary Diagnostics
Nutritional Counseling
Spay and Neuter