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 $35 for cat surgeries and $65 for dog surgeries, even though that is less than half of what it actually costs Pets Alive to perform them. This is made possible by our generous donors who make up the difference. 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 it 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 18 counties in south central Indiana, almost a third of the state! 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 or send their pet to us using the transport services of their local animal shelter or rescue group.
6. How many surgeries do you perform a day?
On average, Pets Alive performs 80 surgeries each day, but it can range from 30 to 120. We’re able to perform high-volume surgeries due to our highly-trained veterinary surgeons, veterinarian assistants, and volunteers. Pets Alive performed its 100,000th surgery in November 2015.
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 people and survive on their own outdoors. Pets Alive works with Feral Cat Friends, a local Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) group, to help reduce the feral cat population.
8. Do volunteers perform surgeries?
No, volunteers never perform surgeries. Pets Alive employs two of the most highly trained spay/neuter surgeons in the country, both of whom specialize in high-volume spay/neuter. Our seven other veterinary assistants help prepare animals for surgery and monitor their vitals throughout the process. Trained volunteers who are entering the veterinarian care profession sometimes help monitor animals as they recover from surgery. Join our volunteer team today by completing the Volunteer Application.
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.