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Spay & Neuter

Surgical team preparing a cat for a spay procedure

The best time to spay or neuter depends on your pet's species, size, and breed, so the first conversation is about timing. Petfolk Johns Creek, at Medley in Johns Creek Town Center, performs spays and neuters for dogs and cats, and every pet goes home the same day.

Start with a pre-surgery visit at our Johns Creek clinic.

Call (470) 964-6691 or book online. Open 8am–6pm, seven days a week.

When to go to a 24-hour emergency hospital

After surgery, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if the incision opens, bleeding won't stop, the gums are pale, your pet has trouble breathing or collapses, or swelling grows quickly. During clinic hours, call the clinic first.

Petfolk Johns Creek is open 8am to 6pm, seven days a week. We don't provide overnight care, so anything that can't wait until morning belongs at a 24-hour emergency hospital.

When to Spay or Neuter

  • Cats: usually around five to six months old.

  • Most dogs: usually around five to six months old.

  • Some large and giant breeds: may do better waiting until 12 to 24 months, depending on growth and breed risks.

Your vet will recommend timing for your pet specifically. AAHA's guide explains the health and behavior factors owners weigh.

Gloved hands checking a dog's shaved belly

Why Owners Choose It

  • Prevents litters and lowers the risk of some reproductive diseases and cancers

  • Can reduce roaming, marking, and other hormone-driven behaviors

  • Ends heat cycles in females

It's still surgery, which is why the preparation matters as much as the procedure.

Golden retriever with a healing incision standing in an exam room

Before Surgery

  1. A pre-anesthetic exam and lab work to make sure your pet is healthy for anesthesia.

  2. Put away all food and treats by 10pm the night before. Water is fine overnight.

  3. Bring your pet's records and current medications. The team reviews them at check-in and answers questions.

Our Gentle Handling team uses treats and breaks during the pre-surgery check, so the awake part of the day stays calm.

“From the moment we walked in the door our family and our dog was welcomed . Our dog was instantly at ease with the staff!”

— Celena O., Petfolk client

Cat resting at home in a recovery cone

Recovery: The Next 10 to 14 Days

  • All pets go home the same day with pain medication and written instructions. The aftercare instructions and recheck reminders are also in the Petfolk app.

  • Check the incision for redness, swelling, bruising, discharge, or a bad smell.

  • Restrict activity for about 10 to 14 days: no jumping, stairs, running, or rough play, and short leash walks only.

  • Use a crate or small room if your pet won't stay calm.

  • Keep the cone on so your pet can't lick the incision.

When to Wait

Some pets shouldn't have surgery yet: a pet who's sick, a female currently in heat, or a puppy of a breed that benefits from waiting. The vet will tell you if it's better to wait and when to come back.

What Spay or Neuter Costs Depends On

  • Species, sex, and size

  • Pre-anesthetic exam and lab work

  • Whether a female is in heat or a male has a retained testicle, which makes surgery longer

  • Pain medication, a cone, and recheck visits

You'll get an estimate before scheduling. PetfolkCare members get $200 off a spay or neuter, plus savings on pre-anesthetic exams and lab work.

Plan the Timing, Then the Day

Book a pre-surgery visit at Petfolk Johns Creek or call (470) 964-6691, and leave with a date that fits your pet and a clear recovery plan.

Frequently Asked Questions