Spay = Female cat or dog sterilization surgery
Neuter = Male cat or dog sterilization surgery
1. What is the difference between spay and neuter?
2. How much does a spay/neuter surgery cost?
We only charge $40 for cat surgeries and $75 for dog surgeries (under 100 lbs.), a fraction of the costs of these high-quality medical procedures. These affordable prices are made possible by our generous donors and friends. These prices are available to everyone, regardless of financial position. Our full spay/neuter fees outline any additional charges.
3. Is my pet old enough to be spayed or neutered?
Pets may be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks old if they weigh at least 2 lbs. and have received the recommended vaccinations. It’s important to get your pet fixed as soon as possible to ensure she/he lives a long and healthy life. Learn more about the benefits of spay/neuter.
4. Do you only serve Bloomington pets?
No! Pets Alive serves multiple counties in south-central Indiana; in 2020 we treated pets in 38 Indiana counties. Our transport partners and staff bring owned and shelter animals to our clinic for vaccinations and spay/neuter.
5. Who is eligible to use your services?
Anyone can use our services – no questions asked! We offer low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services to ensure all pets have access to preventative care, regardless of their owner’s financial position. Pet owners can schedule a spay/neuter surgery with us directly on our website, or by calling our office during business hours.
6. How many surgeries do you perform a day?
Currently, Pets Alive performs an average of 50 surgeries each day. We’re able to perform high-volume surgeries due to our highly-trained, incredibly talented, and dedicated staff. Pets Alive performed its 100,000th surgery in November 2015 and has “fixed” over 160,000 individuals to date.
7. What are community & feral cats?
Community and feral cats have either never had any contact with humans or their contact with humans diminished over time. They are fearful of and cautious about people and survive on their own outdoors. Pets Alive works with local organizations including Feral Cat Friends to help reduce the feral cat population through Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR).
8. Do volunteers perform surgeries?
No, volunteers never perform surgeries. Pets Alive employs one of the most highly trained veterinary surgeons in the country, Dr. Nancy Ferguson, who specializes in high-volume spay/neuter. Our veterinary assistants and technicians help prepare animals for surgery and monitor their vitals throughout the process.
9. Does my pet need vaccinations before surgery?
We do recommend your pet be fully vaccinated before coming in for surgery. We are a high-volume clinic, and while we keep everything as clean and sterile as possible, we cannot control for airborne viruses. Therefore, we recommend every animal be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to surgery. We cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from contagious diseases for which the animal was not properly vaccinated. We offer low-cost vaccinations at our walk-in Wellness Clinic. Visit the Surgery page for more information about surgery prep.
10. Do you provide financial assistance?
Yes! On a first-come, first-served basis we have a limited number of SNAP vouchers available to provide $25 towards surgery fees, thanks to PetFriendly Services of Indiana. The vouchers are available for Indiana residents who are participating in a government assistance program (Food Stamps, HIP, VA Disability, Medicaid, etc.). Ask our front desk staff for more information when you bring your pet in on the morning of their surgery.