Frequently Asked Questions
Spaying is the name of the procedure for female pets.
Neutering generally refers to the procedure for male pets. In both cases
the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia.
no text
Do I need to make an appointment to have my pet spayed or neutered?
Yes, appointments are necessary for surgery. Call us at 661-831-6000 to schedule your appointment.
Are there income restrictions to use your clinic?
No. As a community alliance, all who wish to have their pets sterilized at our clinic are welcome.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards or debit cards. We do not accept personal checks. We also accept vouchers from Kern County animal welfare organizations that can further discount the cost of surgery for your pet.
Is the staff experienced?
The Veterinarians & Staff are licensed and trained specifically in high-volume spay/neuter surgery. The staff adheres to the standards for Spay/Neuter Medical Care Guidelines developed in 2008 by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians' Veterinary Task Force to Advance Spay/Neuter.
Why does your clinic only focus on spay and neuter?
As a spay/neuter clinic we are able to perform surgery on more pets on a daily basis, rather than scheduling surgery around other types of appointments. Our ability to perform a high volume of surgeries each day helps keep our pricing affordable for everyone.
How old does my pet need to be in order to be spayed or neutered?
The age requirement for surgery is 12 weeks & weighing at least 2.5 pounds. Younger animals tend to recover more quickly from sterilization surgery, thus making it easier on pets and owners alike.
Are there risks?
With any surgical procedure there is always risk, but we take every step possible to minimize risks for your pets. Pets are constantly monitored by hand or with specialized monitoring equipment during surgery.
How frequently will my dog or cat go into heat?
Dogs go into heat about every 6 months. The heat cycle lasts about 3 weeks.
Cats generally experience their first heat at around 6 months of age and will repeatedly cycle unless spayed.
Can litter mates get pregnant?
Yes, litter mates can create litters of their own.
How long after my dog has puppies can she be spayed?
Approximately two weeks after the litter is weaned, usually about 6 to 8 weeks after birth.
Does my pet have to be current on its vaccines in order to have surgery?
Our vets highly recommend that pets are vaccinated from communicable diseases (distemper, parvo, and upper respiratory diseases) at least two weeks prior to surgery. In addition, California state law requires a current rabies vaccination for your pet. Please bring proof in the form of a rabies tag or certificate. We are otherwise required to administer one at the time of surgery for a charge of $12.
Will neutering my male cat stop him from spraying?
If your male cat is neutered before he starts spraying, the chances increase that he will not spray. If you male cat is already in the habit of spraying, chances are unlikely that the neutering will completely eliminate this behavior.
Will my pet’s behavior change after surgery?
Your pet’s behavior will not change except that male dogs and cats may be less likely to fight or roam and females will no longer go into heat. Spaying and neutering helps all pets by reducing the number of dogs and cats entering our shelter system.
Yes, appointments are necessary for surgery. Call us at 661-831-6000 to schedule your appointment.
Are there income restrictions to use your clinic?
No. As a community alliance, all who wish to have their pets sterilized at our clinic are welcome.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards or debit cards. We do not accept personal checks. We also accept vouchers from Kern County animal welfare organizations that can further discount the cost of surgery for your pet.
Is the staff experienced?
The Veterinarians & Staff are licensed and trained specifically in high-volume spay/neuter surgery. The staff adheres to the standards for Spay/Neuter Medical Care Guidelines developed in 2008 by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians' Veterinary Task Force to Advance Spay/Neuter.
Why does your clinic only focus on spay and neuter?
As a spay/neuter clinic we are able to perform surgery on more pets on a daily basis, rather than scheduling surgery around other types of appointments. Our ability to perform a high volume of surgeries each day helps keep our pricing affordable for everyone.
How old does my pet need to be in order to be spayed or neutered?
The age requirement for surgery is 12 weeks & weighing at least 2.5 pounds. Younger animals tend to recover more quickly from sterilization surgery, thus making it easier on pets and owners alike.
Are there risks?
With any surgical procedure there is always risk, but we take every step possible to minimize risks for your pets. Pets are constantly monitored by hand or with specialized monitoring equipment during surgery.
How frequently will my dog or cat go into heat?
Dogs go into heat about every 6 months. The heat cycle lasts about 3 weeks.
Cats generally experience their first heat at around 6 months of age and will repeatedly cycle unless spayed.
Can litter mates get pregnant?
Yes, litter mates can create litters of their own.
How long after my dog has puppies can she be spayed?
Approximately two weeks after the litter is weaned, usually about 6 to 8 weeks after birth.
Does my pet have to be current on its vaccines in order to have surgery?
Our vets highly recommend that pets are vaccinated from communicable diseases (distemper, parvo, and upper respiratory diseases) at least two weeks prior to surgery. In addition, California state law requires a current rabies vaccination for your pet. Please bring proof in the form of a rabies tag or certificate. We are otherwise required to administer one at the time of surgery for a charge of $12.
Will neutering my male cat stop him from spraying?
If your male cat is neutered before he starts spraying, the chances increase that he will not spray. If you male cat is already in the habit of spraying, chances are unlikely that the neutering will completely eliminate this behavior.
Will my pet’s behavior change after surgery?
Your pet’s behavior will not change except that male dogs and cats may be less likely to fight or roam and females will no longer go into heat. Spaying and neutering helps all pets by reducing the number of dogs and cats entering our shelter system.
Vaccine Protocol
Only healthy animals without a history of reactions should be vaccinated.
Canine Vaccines
D.H.P.P. - Canine Distemper-Adenvirus Type 2 Parainfluenza-Parvo Vaccine.
Administered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, then annually.
Bordetella - Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine.
Administered any time after 8 weeks of age, then annually.
Rabies
Administered at 16 weeks, 1 year, then every three years.
Feline Vaccines
F.V.R.C.P. – Feline Rhinotracheitis – Calici – Panleukopenia – Chlamydia Psittaci Vaccine.
Administered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, then annually.
FeLV
Administered after 8 weeks of age, then annually. All cats must be tested for Leukemia before being administered the vaccine.
Rabies
Administered at 16 weeks, 1 year, then every three years.
Canine Vaccines
D.H.P.P. - Canine Distemper-Adenvirus Type 2 Parainfluenza-Parvo Vaccine.
Administered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, then annually.
Bordetella - Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine.
Administered any time after 8 weeks of age, then annually.
Rabies
Administered at 16 weeks, 1 year, then every three years.
Feline Vaccines
F.V.R.C.P. – Feline Rhinotracheitis – Calici – Panleukopenia – Chlamydia Psittaci Vaccine.
Administered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, then annually.
FeLV
Administered after 8 weeks of age, then annually. All cats must be tested for Leukemia before being administered the vaccine.
Rabies
Administered at 16 weeks, 1 year, then every three years.
