4 Tips for Finding a Spay or Neuter Clinic That’s Right for Your Pet
If you’re thinking of becoming a dog owner, you’re probably considering whether or not to spay/neuter your new pup. Unless you’re planning on breeding your dog, it makes sense a lot of sense to move forward with the procedure. Spaying and neutering, (also known as “fixing”) dogs helps them become calmer and stick closer to home. There are also plenty of studies that indicate it helps them live longer, and if that weren’t enough good reasons for doing it, it also decreases the number of dogs finding their way to shelters.
Once you’ve decided to spay/neuter, you may be tempted to stop at the first place you find. But there’s a little more to the decision than just the first available appointment.
These four tips will arm you with valuable information for pinpointing the right clinic for your puppy:
1. Find a neuter clinic near you
There are a lot of options when it comes to spaying and neutering — everything from full-service veterinarian hospitals to free clinics to mobile services. If you can afford a veterinarian, it’s a worthwhile consideration. Finding a vet from the get-go will be helpful in creating a health a comprehensive wellness plan. In addition to getting the procedure, your vet will also help you better understand and navigate your pets’ unique needs and disposition, give you insights about your dog’s breed and tendencies, and begin establishing rapport with you and your pet pre- and post-operation — significantly reducing the stress of the procedure.
Another important consideration is the location and distance from your home. You’ll likely need to take your pet back to for post-op check-ups. If complications arise, that one trip could quickly turn into several. Finding a spay/neuter clinic near you will provide peace of mind and help minimize travel time and simplify recovery for you and your pet.
2. Weigh your cost options
We touched on this in the last section, but it’s worth a closer look. While it can be tempting to look for a low-cost spay/neuter clinic — which is certainly a great option for those on a tight budget — it may not be right for every situation. Many free or reduced clinics still often request a donation, and that suggested amount may not be much less than just going to a vet.
If you are concerned about cost, keep in mind that some veterinarian clinics provide package discounts and offer payment plans, so the one-time out of pocket cost isn’t so great and may be more affordable than you’d think.
3. Look for a caring (and informed) staff
While this probably may seem like a no-brainer, it’s worth remembering to be attuned to the interactions between your furry friend and the clinic’s staff. Just because a clinic comes highly recommended or is one you’ve been to before, it doesn’t mean it’s right for your new pet.
Many pets experience some trepidation when going to the vet or a clinic. It’s a new experience for them, and the unknown can cause anxiety. Finding the right clinic means finding one where the veterinarian and staff will slow down and take the time to reassure your pet. Having staff calm your dog minimizes the less-than-ideal behaviors that can come with vet visits — like growling, nipping, or trying to escape. Furthermore, a veterinarian clinic with patient staff is less likely to rush through any procedures, avoiding unnecessary complications.
In addition to making the visit much more enjoyable for you and your pet, a caring and informed staff will also be more likely to keep you up to speed on important milestones or changes to your pet’s health. So, go with your gut on this one and find a vet that feels like a natural fit.
4. Consider forward-thinking treatments
One of the great unfortunates of being a pet owner is that our pets’ lifespans are much shorter than our own. But there are now a lot of medical breakthroughs that can help extend the healthy years of your furry friend.
One such breakthrough are stem cell therapies; they are showing remarkable outcomes in alleviating a myriad of diseases — in both humans and animals. Stem cell therapies have the ability to repair and regenerate tissue, prevent premature cell death, regulate immune responses and blood vessel growth, and help reduce scarring. With Gallant, your pup’s stem cells can be banked at the time of spaying or neutering – no additional invasive measures needed! A forward-thinking clinic will be knowledgeable about the pros and cons of such innovative procedures and be able to talk to you about the reasons it may be right for your pet and your family.
Spaying or neutering your pet doesn’t have to be traumatic. Following the tips above, and with a bit of research ahead of time, you’ll be able to ensure a smooth procedure for both you and your pet — so you can both enjoy many years of happy companionship.
