Pet Spay & Neuter in Charlotte, NC

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health and happiness. At River Run Animal Hospital, we provide safe, compassionate spay & neuter services for dogs and cats in Charlotte, NC.

Neutering a Dog or Cat

Neutering is the surgical procedure that removes a male pet’s testicles to prevent reproduction. Beyond population control, neutering provides a range of health and behavioral benefits for both dogs and cats.

Benefits of Neutering:
  • Reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems
  • Decreases roaming tendencies and marking behaviors
  • Can reduce aggression and dominance-related behaviors
  • Helps prevent unwanted litters and overpopulation

Our veterinary team uses advanced surgical techniques and safe anesthesia protocols to ensure every pet’s comfort and safety before, during, and after their procedure.

Spaying a Dog or Cat

Spaying removes a female pet’s ovaries and uterus to prevent pregnancy and reduce hormone-driven behaviors. Spaying is one of the best ways to promote a longer, healthier life for your pet.

Benefits of Spaying:
  • Prevents uterine infections (pyometra) and significantly reduces breast cancer risk
  • Eliminates heat cycles and associated behaviors (vocalization, restlessness, bleeding)
  • Helps reduce pet overpopulation
  • Promotes calmer, more predictable behavior

Our veterinarians perform each spay surgery with precision and care, using pain control measures and close monitoring to keep your pet safe and comfortable.

Dachshund sitting in daisy field
Cute tabby kitten with big eyes
Close-up of a brown and white boxer dog wearing a soft purple recovery cone around its neck while standing outdoors.

When Is the Best Age to Spay or Neuter a Pet?

The ideal age for spaying or neutering depends on your pet’s breed, size, and overall health. In general, most dogs and cats can be safely spayed or neutered between 4–6 months of age.

However, for dogs—especially large breeds—the optimal timing can vary based on growth and long-term health considerations. To ensure the best decision for your pup’s long-term health, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us to review the benefits and considerations of early versus later desexing.

From Start to Recovery: What You Can Expect

Your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. Here’s what you can expect from a typical spay or neuter procedure at River Run Animal Hospital:

Before Surgery
  • Pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia
  • Personalized anesthetic plan based on age, size, and medical history
During Surgery
  • Use of modern anesthesia and continuous vital sign monitoring
  • Sterile surgical environment and precise technique to minimize discomfort and risk
After Surgery
  • Pain medication and close recovery supervision
  • Detailed home-care instructions to support healing
  • Follow-up checks to monitor incision sites and ensure a smooth recovery

While every surgery carries some risk, our experienced veterinary team takes every precaution to ensure a safe, stress-free experience for your pet.

Veterinary Services

Preventive Care

Spay & Neuter

Dental Care

Microchipping

Diagnostics

Emergency

Surgery

Grooming

Boarding

Geriatric Care

End-Of-Life Care