7 Questions to Ask When Picking a Vet for a Spay or Neuter
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or familiar with having animals, surgeries can be stressful for both pets and their parents. When the time comes to spay or neuter your pet, choosing the right veterinarian is an important decision, and there can be a lot of confusion and questions about how to find the best professional. Veterinarians should be able to keep your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the entire process — both pre- and post-op — and should be transparent about costs, procedures, and what to expect.
For those looking to spay and neuter for the first time, or for veteran cat or dog owners who need a refresher, we’ve outlined seven questions to ask a vet before committing to their clinic and surgery.
What’s included in the cost?
Veterinary clinics are likely to have different answers to this question. To get a good idea of what to look for, it’s important to understand what’s included in the cost of the surgery. Is pre-op blood work included? Are post-op pain meds factored into the price? Is there an extra cost for heart and blood pressure monitoring for the procedure? Are IV fluids to support my pet’s organs during surgery available as part of the cost?
All of these are significant to note before committing, so you know the true total cost for the spay or neuter. Ask for an itemized list and breakdown of costs, and go from there. If you have any questions on specific breakdowns, ask your vet to explain why the cost is there and what it’s for.
Do you have a pet of your own?
Oftentimes, we’d naturally like to know how long the vet has been performing surgeries, but that’s typically not the best litmus test for a great vet. Asking them whether they have a pet of their own, however, can be a strong indicator of their level of care. As a veterinarian, I myself ask this question when considering other professionals to treat my animals.
Do you take any special considerations into account when servicing different breeds?
This is a direct question and an important one. Breeds of dogs and cats vary considerably in their genetic makeup, lifespans, personalities — the list goes on! When performing surgery, ask the vet what extra precautions they will take if you, for example, have a bulldog, a toy breed, a sight hound, etc. They should be able to note differences, such as the type of anesthesia they’ll use or whether post-op care is personalized based on breed.
Is blood work required?
If your vet says no bloodwork is required, I’d recommend finding another vet. Pre-op labs should not be negotiable in the quality of care the animal receives.
Will someone be with my pet until they’re awake?
Anesthesia is used when performing spays and neuters, and for peace of mind and to gauge the level of care, ask your vet if someone will be with your pet at all times. Putting our pets through surgery can take an emotional and physical toll, and it’s reassuring to know they are within the doctor’s or nurse’s sight at all times. This is especially true if the clinic requires the animal to stay overnight post-surgery; it’s worth asking if a nurse or vet tech will stay overnight to ensure comfort and safety.
Do you use pain medication during or after surgeries?
This one is easy. If the answer is no, run, don’t walk, to a different clinic.
How long does the surgery take?
Spaying and neutering take time, and the duration of surgery varies depending on the size, health, and body condition of our pets. Asking how long the entire process will take helps owners feel more informed and confident about their wait time.
