Free Spay And Neuter Services For Dogs And Cats
2020 was quite a year. Mostly marked in terrible ways as the pandemic created a global health crisis and changed the ways we live.
But there was at least one silver lining: Americans adopted or fostered shelter animals in record numbers. Because so many people worked from home they felt they had the time to devote to a new pet or to caring for an animal temporarily.
Adopting a new pet especially a shelter animal is a caring decision. Its also a financial decision because the cost of initial medical services for a dog or cat can add up quickly.
One of the most expensive initial procedures your pet will need is getting either spayed or neutered. Luckily, money doesnt always have to be a huge obstacle when it comes to getting that early veterinary care. If you know where to look, there are a myriad of free or low-cost spay/neuter programs across the country.
Are There Spay And Neuter Risks
Complications for spaying and neutering are rare, but there are risks, Corbett says. The risks reflect any type of anesthesia or surgery, so you always have to say that death is a risk. There are a very, very small percentage of animals who can respond poorly to anesthesia, so thats the number one worry.
Kruck says that similar to how humans can react differently to anesthesia, so can animals. The actual surgery, however, is less worrisome.
The risks from the surgery are few because the procedures are very routine, says Kruck. Possible surgical risks include ligatures slipping, contamination of the surgical field, abnormal bleeding due to a clotting disorder, bruising, and pain.
Though its not necessarily a risk, its important to know that sometimes spayed cats will still go into heat. In some cases, part of an ovary is missed during surgery because it was hidden in the abdomen, so the procedure has to be done twice, Corbett says.
Overall, the risks are real, but they are rare.
If youre still nervous heading into the procedure, keep Humlies words in mind: Every pet owner is probably nervous about a surgery, even though its very, very routine surgery most of the time. At our clinic, our doctor has literally done thousands and thousands of them.
Should Female Cats Have A Litter Of Kittens Before Being Spayed
People used to think that female cats should have a litter of kittens before being spayed, but Corbett says theres no good reason for that. And if youre on the fence about spaying because youd like your children to experience kittens, he has an answer for that, too: become a foster family.
There are a lot of shelters that help moms and kittens and are able to provide that experience of raising kittens, Corbett says. But instead of adding more kittens to the world that need to find homes, youre helping homeless kittens.
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The Lifetime Cost Of A Pet
There are two main cost areas when owning a pet: the initial cost and then general costs over your pets lifetime Combining both of these costs together will give you a rough estimate of the lifetime cost of your pet. Even without some of the larger expenses like a fenced in backyard, initial costs like vaccines, heartworm prevention, toys, training, and food can add up to $680 or more. Throw in routine expenses such as dental care , food , and grooming and youre looking at $300-$400 per year before major medical expenses.
Acquisition Costs
One of the first expenses of pet ownership is the adoption or purchase price. The price of purchasing from a breeder is typically influenced by the demand for that particular breed. Reputable breeders will charge fair, if competitive, prices, while backyard breeders will charge high prices to earn a profit. You should avoid purchasing from backyard breeders their practices are driven by money rather than care for the animals. Backyard breeders often purchase from puppy mills and other unethical institutions. The Partnership for Animal Welfare provides a useful guide for identifying the differences between backyard breeders and legitimate breeders. Legitimate breeders know their breeds and can refer buyers to other satisfied customers, while backyard breeders will sell to whomever is willing to pay.
Medical Costs
Grooming Costs
Food Costs
Equipment Costs
Training Costs
The Cost Of Owning A Dog
Dogs and cats are the two most popular pets on the planet, but the differences between these two animals are stark. Dogs tend to require far more attention than cats do. From a financial standpoint, this translates into more expenses. Dogs need to be brushed every day or every few daysmore if you own a particularly energetic breed that frequently gets dirty. More energy results in more injuries, and dogs often benefit from training.
As a rule, owning a dog will be more expensive than owning a cat. Its important to decide before you adopt which of the two animals is a better fit for your lifestyle.
Adopting From a Shelter
Adopting a dog from a legitimate shelter assures you first that the dog has been taken care of. Shelters take care of immediate medical needs and vaccinate and treat for common maladies such as kennel cough, parvo, and distemper. The adoption fee covers the cost of this medical care, as well as food, shelter, and transport.
Many people prefer to adopt from a shelter. Most of the animals are there because theyve been abandoned by previous owners or are the victims of puppy mills. Adopting is the most humane option and gives the dogs a second chance. The cost of adoption ranges from $50 for mixed-breed dogs up to $500 for purebreds.
While the cost of adoption may seem high, it covers a number of expenses and can actually save you money in the long run. The total cost of everything a shelter provides for a dog often exceeds the adoption fee.
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Recovery Time For Spay And Neuter Procedures
After you bring your cat home youll likely want to make sure its as comfortable as possible while it recovers. Humlie recommends keeping your cat separate from other house pets, if possible, and offering your cat a quiet room to relax. Corbett notes that jumping could be painful, and suggests lifting your cat instead of, for example, letting it jump up onto the bed.
Youll need to keep an eye on your cats incision and make sure its not being bothered with . Corbett recommends examining the surgical area before even taking your cat home from the vet so you can get an idea of what it looks like and youll notice if the area gets swollen or looks worse, which could mean its not healing properly or has become infected.
Recovery time depends on a few things, like age and general health, so itll be different for each cat. Corbett says the anesthesia will stay in your cats system for 12-48 hours, which could affect energy level and appetite, and the healing of the actual incision itself takes one to two weeks, depending on the type of stitches used.
One of the most difficult parts of the recovery period might be convincing cats to rest when they think theyre already fine.
Most importantly, you should follow your veterinarians instructions for post-operative care, Kruck says.
Schedule A Spay/neuter Appointment
PLEASE NOTE: We are currently very limited on appointments. If you are unable to request an appointment, please check back later. We apologize for any inconvenience.
******* PLEASE NOTE *********
During the COVID-19 Health Crisis, we have been permitted to continue with routine spay/neuter procedures and we are taking preventative measures for the health of our clients and staff.
- Patient check-in and -out will continue outdoors in the clinic yard.
- Owners will not be allowed inside the clinic unless absolutely necessary.
- Staff will wear a face mask at all times when interacting with clients while also maintaining a safe social distance .
- Pet owners who are sick are asked to stay home and either reschedule or have a family member bring in the pet.
- All payment will be taken via electronic means to cut down on handling credit cards and cash. Limited exceptions can be made for owners who do not own a SmartPhone.
- All pens, clipboards, etc will be sanitized with an approved disinfectant before reuse.
Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!
*************************************************
If scheduling online, you must schedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: We are currently limited on available appointments. If you are unable to request an appointment, please check back again later, or check with one of the other low-cost clinics in the area.
Pre-op Blood Work Cost & Information on Ages:Cost of Blood Work $95.00
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Exercise And Play Supplies
The right exercise and play supplies will support your kitten bonding with you, which helps promote their social health, and keeping your kitten active contributes to their physical and mental health so you can enjoy more years together.
Plan to stock your home with the following supplies:
When you first welcome your kitten home, be sure to have a few cat toys already on hand, and as you get to know them, consider purchasing a few different kinds of toys to learn more about their play preferences. Cat toys can range anywhere from $1 to more than $20.
A cat perch or tree can give your kitten the ability to escape daily life and get away from any stressors. Perches and cat trees cost $50$150+.
Scratching helps cats keep their nails healthy and is a part of their grooming routine. Giving your kitten an appropriate place to scratch can help save them from scratching something they shouldnt. A scratching post costs around $25$50.
What Else Is Involved At Spay/neuter Clinics
Depending on state and local laws, there are other expenses involved with adopting a pet. Even if you dont pay anything to spay/neuter your pet cat or dog, you may end up incurring fees for these often mandatory services:
- Rabies vaccination
- Other immunizations
- Licensing for dogs in certain cities and municipalities
If these upfront costs are preventing you from adopting your next furry family member, talk to the animal shelter. While not as prolific as free spay/neuter programs, you may be able to find ways to get financial assistance locally for these services, especially if you are from a low-income household.
And if this help exists locally, your animal shelter should know about it.
Brynne Conroy is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
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Average Cost Of Cat Toys And Bedding
There are quite a lot of additional costs when it comes to owning a cat. Not only do you need the obvious things, like a bowl and bed, but there are also things like litter trays and litter.
As a starting point, you need to be looking at about £200 a year to cover the most basic expenses.
Now, there are things you can spend a huge amount of money on, like scratching posts, so this is really up to you. But lets be honest, the cat will probably end up playing with the box it came in anyway.
Post Surgery Pain Medication
We can provide your pet with 3 days of post surgery pain management for $25, upon request. You must request and pay for the medication at the time you schedule your appointment. The medication will be sent home with your pet after surgery is completed.
Animals Not Suitable for Surgery
- Brachycephalic dog breeds
- Cryptorchid cats or dogs
- Doberman Pinchers
- Females who are pregnant or in heat
Common Brachycephalic Dog Breeds
This list is not all inclusive and approval is at CCASs discretion.
- American Bulldog
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How Old Does A Cat Have To Be For A Spay Or Neuter Procedure Can You Spay A Cat In Heat
According to the ASPCA, cats can be spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks old. They recommend scheduling the procedure before your cat is five months old to avoid urine spraying behavior and eliminate the chance of pregnancy.
The ASPCA also states that female cats can be spayed while in heat. Of course, it is always advised to speak with your vet to figure out when it would be best to spay or neuter your cat.
How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Cat
The cost for spaying a cat varies depending on location and type of clinic performing the procedure. Private veterinarians generally charge more and there can be a range of prices for spaying a cat, even from vets in the same city. A random sampling of veterinarians found prices of $219 in Kansas, $250 in California and $590 in Illinois.
There are specialized clinics and shelters across the country focused on making the procedure affordable some even price the procedure based on income. Spaying a cat at some of these places can cost around $50-70.
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Do I Qualify For Free Spay And Neuter Services
Heres the thing about being a pet parent: It can get expensive fast.
Luckily, there are plenty of free spay/neuter programs across the country. Some programs will qualify you based on where you live. Others will have an added income requirement. Whether or not you qualify for free spay and neuter services depends on the individual program.
If you dont qualify for a free program, youre likely to be able to find discount spay/neuter services in your area
Cat Flap Installation Cost
If you want to make life a bit easier, for you and your cat, you might be thinking about installing a cat flap.
There are two things to think about here – the cost of the cat flap itself and the cost of installing the cat flap.
You can buy a cat flap for as little as £10, but they can cost more than £50 for ones with infrared or microchip sensors.
The bigger issue is installation and where you choose to put the flap.
If its going to be put in a wooden door, single glazed window or uPVC panel, it will usually cost between £30 and £60. But, installing a cat flap in a double glazed window is a lot more expensive and can set you back between £200 and £300.
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Other Considerations For Pet Owners
There are some expenses that pet owners dont think about. For example, if youre allergic to cats but still want to own one, youll need allergy medication. Lower-end allergy medications cost as little as $5 for a pack of 48 pills, but more powerful medications may require a prescription and doctor visits.
You might also need treatment for pet-inflicted injuries. Overly playful pets may bite or scratch, and complications like Cat Scratch Fever can be serious or even life-threatening. While it isnt a guarantee that problems like this will arise, it is important to consider the potential costs when budgeting for a pet.
There are also legal costs and considerations. If your dog gets overzealous and bites someone, you may face a lawsuit and be on the hook for that persons medical treatment. Certain dog breeds are also not legal in some areas. Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Bulldogs are commonly banned or restricted in residential areas.
Spay And Neuter Clinic
COVID-19 Update
During the on-going state of emergency in Ontario, the City of Ottawa Spay/Neuter Clinic will be open for surgeries, but with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. We want to ensure we can deliver the service safely for everyone. As well, given the higher than normal demand for service, it may take us longer to respond to requests, book appointments and perform surgeries.
For clients calling the Clinic and leaving a voicemail message, please note that all messages are being recorded and will be followed-up, so it will be unnecessary to call more than once.
If you have already submitted a request for surgery by phone or through the on-line surgery request form, you will be contacted in the order that requests were received. It may take us 6-8 weeks to contact you, but you will hear from us. Please also note that it may take up to 3-5 months before cat surgeries will be performed and it may take up to 6 months before dog surgeries will be performed. These timelines are subject to change depending on request volumes.
We will inform you of any other protocols or requirements when your pets surgery is scheduled.
Thank you for your assistance, patience and support as we endeavour to serve our clients as quickly as possible.
The City of Ottawa Spay/Neuter Clinic is a scent-free building, please refrain from wearing scented products in our workplace.
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Read More About The Real Cost Of A Pet Cat
Anyone who owns a cat will know not only how rewarding it can be, but also the true costs involved usually much higher than might be expected.
Cats are often the preferred choice of pet for people who are out at work all day, as they are independent and, provided youve got a cat flap installed, they are usually happy to go in and out the house whenever it suits them.
However, before rushing out to buy a cat, its important to budget for all the costs that are associated with owning a pet.
Medical Care For Dogs
There are number of medical considerations for dogs that must be understood before you adopt. Dogs need vaccinations, flea treatments, heartworm medications, ear and dental care, and unless you intend to breed, spaying and neutering.
Vaccines
According to the AKC, dogs need multiple vaccines in their first year of lifeand some of these vaccines must be renewed periodically. These include vaccinations for kennel cough, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, canine parainfluenza, coronavirus, heartworms, leptospirosis, lyme disease, parvovirus, and rabies. These vaccinations will cost between $60 to $70 on average, with the rabies vaccine costing an addition $15 to $20.
Flea Control
Eliminating fleas is a matter of comfort not only for you, but for your dog too. Animals with fleas are miserable, and fleas can actually carry a number of dangerous diseases. A flea and tick shampoo could cost as much as $40 per year, depending on the size of the dog and the frequency of treatments. If you give your dog a flea pill, youre looking at around $150 per year. The most popular treatment for fleas and ticks, an insecticide known as Fipronil, can cost as much as $200 per year.
Heartworm Control
Ear and Dental Care
Spay and Neuter Costs
If you adopt from a shelter, there is a good chance your dog will have already been spayed or neutered. However, if you have to pay for it yourself, expect to spend up to $200. The surgery is routine enough that it isnt terribly expensive.
Nail Trimming
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