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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.
Do I need to make an appointment to have my pet spayed or neutered?
Yes, appointments are necessary for surgery. You may schedule your appointment online by clicking here.
How does the appointment process work?
Check-in for dogs begins every day at 7 a.m. Check-in for cats begins at 7:30 a.m. You must be here by no later than 8:00 a.m. to ensure that your pet will have surgery on your appointment date. Your pet will go home the same afternoon after their surgery has been completed, some time between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Our staff will call you after your pet has had surgery and is in recovery with your exact pick-up time, but the very latest pick-up time is 4:30 p.m. It is important that you pick-up your pet promptly at the time we give you so we can get the kennel and post-op areas cleaned and sterilized for the next day's appointments.
Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Your pet will go home in the afternoon after they have had surgery and have had some time to recover from the anesthesia.
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 dog. Please bring proof in the form of a rabies tag or certificate. We are otherwise required to give your dog a rabies vaccination at the time of surgery for a charge of $18.
For your convenience, we do offer vaccinations at out clinic on a walk-in basis Monday - Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
For your convenience, we do offer vaccinations at out clinic on a walk-in basis Monday - Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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 or Care Credit. 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 3 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 4-5 months of age and will repeatedly cycle unless spayed or impregnated.
Cats generally experience their first heat at around 4-5 months of age and will repeatedly cycle unless spayed or impregnated.
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.
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 he 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.
We are not a full-service hospital. If you are looking for services other than spay/neuter or vaccines you will need to contact a full-service veterinary hospital. Please refer to the button below for full-service hospitals in the greater Bakersfield area.