Resources
spcaLA Spay/Neuter Center
FAQ
General
What services does the spcaLA Spay/Neuter Center provide?
- Spay/Neuter surgeries for companion dogs, cats and rabbits,
as well as feral cats - Post-surgery pain management
- Routine vaccinations, microchipping and FELV/FIV testing
- Additional services for surgical complications
(pyometra, animals in heat, pregnant, or cryptorchid.) - FREE humane education
Why doesn’t the spcaLA Spay/Neuter Center
offer other wellness services?
The spcaLA Spay/Neuter Center focuses on spay and neuter services only, so that they may be performed by expert veterinarians in large numbers.
Does the spcaLA Spay/Neuter Center offer referrals to area veterinarians for wellness services?
Yes, the Center staff is happy to provide referrals.
When is the Center open?
Tuesday through Friday by appointment only.
Are walk-ins accepted?
No, an appointment MUST be made for ALL services.
What are the Center’s rates?
Please see the Rate Sheet.
Does the Center offer financial assistance or accept city vouchers?
Yes, the Center offers financial assistance for canine spay/neuter surgeries to those who qualify while funding lasts and accepts the $30 Los Angeles Animal Service-issued discount coupons.
Surgical
Why is it so important for spay and neuter surgeries to be done by an expert veterinarian?
- An expert veterinarian will be able to perform the surgery in the least amount of time. Statistics show fatality and complication rates are linked to the length of a spay/neuter surgery—a shorter surgery is safer for the pet.
- Veterinarians, like those at spcaLA, who have ample experience performing spay/neuter surgeries are more adept at handling complications when they arise.
- Expert veterinarians are better suited to perform spay/neuter surgeries on pediatric patients.
Does a pet need to stay overnight?
No, animals can go home on the same day of the surgery.
What requirements must be met for a pet to be spayed/neutered?
- A pet must be in good health, and be at least 2 pounds/8 weeks of age.
- If a pet is over 7 years of age, it must have had lab work and a urinalysis within 2 weeks of its appointment and the records must be faxed to the Center veterinarian at least 2 days prior to appointment for review.
- The owner must provide proof pet is current on its rabies vaccine or it will need to be vaccinated at the time of its appointment.
- For feral cats, they must meet the Feral Cat guidelines
What conditions could lead to complications in surgery?
- Pregnancy
- In-heat
- Diseases (such as FIV, feline leukemia, heartworm & others)
- Age
- Other conditions
Does the Center tattoo my pet after surgery to prove it has been sterilized?
A small tattoo may be placed next to the incision site as an identifier that a dog or cat has been spayed.
A tattoo will be placed on the ventral abdomen of male cats to identify them as being neutered.
Can a pet be turned down for surgery?
Yes, a pet can be turned down for surgery. The following are some of the reasons a pet may be declined for its appointment:
- URI of any magnitude (sneezing, coughing, nasal/ocular discharge)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Severe obesity (overweight)
- Poor body condition (malnourished, underweight)
- Arrythmia (heart condition)
- Depressed attitude (not acting normal)
- Moderate to severe skin disease
How old must a pet be to be spayed or neutered at the Center?
A pet must be at least 8 weeks and 2 pounds to be spayed/neutered.
Vaccinations
Can pet owners get their pets vaccinated at any time?
Yes, pet owners may schedule an appointment between 1pm and 2pm Tuesday through Friday for routine vaccinations and microchipping.
Pets can also be given routine vaccinations and microchips at the time of surgery.
Feral Cats may ONLY be vaccinated at the time of surgery.
Can rescue groups get their animals vaccinated at any time?
Yes, rescue groups may schedule an appointment between 1pm and 2pm Tuesday through Friday for routine vaccinations and microchipping. Rescue group animals can also be given routine vaccinations and microchips at the time of surgery.
What vaccinations/microchip services does the Center offer?
- FVRCP
- FELV
- DHPP
- Bordetella
- Rabies (1 and 3 year)
- De-worming
- Microchipping (Avid)
What services are ONLY offered at the time of a spay/neuter surgery?
- Spaying/Neutering
- Anesthesia
- Ear tip (Feral Cats only)
- Pain Management Medications
- Hernia repair
- Deciduous tooth removal
- Dewclaw removal (non-bony attachment only)
Feral Cats
What are the Feral Cat Guidelines?
What services are provided in the Feral Cat Package?
Feral Cat packages include: spay or neuter, FVRCP and Rabies vaccines, de-worming and ear-tipping.
Are appointments required for feral cats?
Appointments are necessary.
Who may bring in a feral cat?
A feral cat may be brought in by any individual who agrees to the Feral Cat Guidelines and is able to pay at the time of services rendered.
Vouchers/Discount Coupons
Which city vouchers are accepted by the Center?
We accept the L.A. City “Big Fix” coupon in the amount of $30.
Where can I obtain a voucher?
LA city residents can get a voucher from any LA Animal Services Care Center.
spcaLA thanks the PetSmart Charities
The spcaLA Spay/Neuter Center is made possible by a generous grant from PetSmart Charities, considerations from the David Bohnett Foundation, the estate of Diana Levin and the DJ&T Foundation and your generous support.
