Spay & Neuter
When to spay or neuter depends on species, breed, and size, especially for large-breed dogs. The doctors at our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, help you pick the timing, do a pre-surgery exam, and send your pet home the same day.
Call (804) 603-9509 to talk through timing or book a pre-surgery exam.
When it's an emergency: After surgery, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if the incision opens or bleeds steadily, the belly swells, or your pet is very weak, has pale gums, or vomits repeatedly. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
Choosing the Timing
Cats: often around five to six months.
Small and medium dogs: often around six months.
Large and giant breeds: the doctor may recommend waiting until growth plates close, often 12 to 18 months or later, to lower some joint risks.
The doctor will go over the timing tradeoffs for your pet's breed, size, and plans.
Before, During, and After
Pre-surgery exam and screening tests.
Fasting instructions the night before.
Drop-off in the morning, surgery with anesthesia monitoring, and updates through the day.
Home the same day with pain medication and a cone or recovery suit.
Recheck in about 10 to 14 days.
A microchip can be placed while your pet is under anesthesia, so ask at the pre-surgery exam.
"They explained everything very well and answered all of my questions"
— Viviana L., Petfolk client.
Recovery at Home
The AKC's guide to care after spay and neuter surgery covers the same basics we'll send home with you.
Keep your pet quiet: no running, jumping, or rough play for about two weeks.
No baths or swimming until the incision is cleared.
Check the incision daily for redness, swelling, or discharge.
Keep the cone on, especially overnight.
When an Exam Should Come First
If your pet is in heat, recovering from an illness, or has an unknown health history, the doctor may want to wait or run more tests before surgery. That's about safety, and the delay is usually short.
Spay, Neuter, and Your Chesterfield County Dog License
Chesterfield County requires dogs to be licensed, and many Virginia localities charge a lower license fee for spayed or neutered dogs. After surgery, keep the paperwork we give you; the county may ask for proof.
Licensing also requires a current rabies certificate. If your puppy's rabies vaccine is due, it can often be handled at the pre-surgery exam.
What Drives the Cost
The cost depends on species, sex, size, and whether a female is in heat or a male has a retained testicle. Pre-surgery tests and pain medication are part of the estimate. PetfolkCare members get $200 toward spay or neuter. You get a written estimate before surgery is scheduled.
Plan the Timing Together
Book a pre-surgery exam at our clinic on Steam Avenue, and we'll help you choose the right time. Call (804) 603-9509.