
What Do Spaying and Neutering Involve?
If you are unsure when you should get your animal spayed or neutered, we can discuss that during a wellness exam or a separate appointment. Kitten sterilization usually happens between eight weeks and five months of age, and for puppies, between six and nine months.
Spaying is the sterilization procedure for females and neutering the one for males. When we spay your pet, we remove the uterus and ovaries, and in the case of neutering, we remove the testicles. After either of these procedures, your pet will not be able to reproduce.
We provide you with post-operative instructions to help your pet recover. You can expect your pet to experience some discomfort and we may give you some pain medication.
To help your pet have a smooth sterilization recovery, you should:
- Provide a calm place indoors for them to rest
- Keep them away from any other animals in your household
- Prevent them from licking the incision site, possibly by using an Elizabethan collar
- Make sure they do not run or jump for one to two weeks
You should also check the incision site every day to make sure it looks clean and is healing properly.

What Are the Benefits of Spaying or Neutering My Pet?
Sterilizing your pet prevents unwanted litters and helps reduce pet overpopulation. It also offers a lot of health benefits that can extend your pet’s longevity and reduce costs associated with various medical concerns, including life-threatening diseases.
Spaying and neutering reduce the risk of:
- Testicular cancer and prostate issues for males
- Uterine infections, reproductive cancers, and mammary tumors for females
- Endocrine disorders including diabetes for all
Sterilization also minimizes various behavioral problems like aggression, unwanted marking, yowling, and howling. This safe procedure is easy and can make a positive difference in your pet’s quality of life.
Call Valley Lyons Veterinary Hospital today at (661) 219-7362 or fill out our online form to learn more about our spay and neuter services in Santa Clarita!


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“Got two knee surgeries for my pup, and the staff here were fantastic.”
E. Sigmon -
“They have always taken the best of care of her especially now that she is getting older. I've never had a problem and the people there always friendly and willing to answer questions.”
T. Toji -
“Since we changed our vets from a Burbank-based operation to Valley Lyons Pet Hospital, we've never felt more confident with the ongoing healthcare of our dogs.”
D. Loughry -
“All the employees are so nice and treat your dog as if it was their own.”
S. Freed -
“The staff & doctors here are compassionate, knowledgeable, & understanding to the needs of their fur patients & their human parents.”
V. Rein
