Do rescue dogs get neutered before they are available for adoption?

I'm not sure who you are asking this question to, as we don't provide adoption services through Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! However, if you know the location of the rescue or store you are trying to ask this of, it would be best to call them and ask directly. In most cases, any pet out for adoption is usually spayed/neutered prior.

After a neuter it is wise to use an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to prevent licking as this can lead to infection or opening of the incision. Aside from keeping him quiet, you should also monitor the incision for swelling, redness, bruising, or drainage. Make sure he continues to eat, drink, and go to the bathroom regularly. If you notice any irregularities he should be examined by a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and good luck with your new dog!

In small breed dogs some vets recommend waiting until the dog is older (6-8 months). The though is their lungs are better developed in an older puppy which makes the anesthesia part of the surgery "safer". That being said, many vets, including myself, have done thousands of neuters of dogs as young as 8 weeks or age with no problems. I think at 4.5 months he should be just fine to be neutered next week.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh my goodness, Dallas is adorable! There is no medical or protective effect, like in female dogs, to neutering male dogs right away. I tell clients that if the dog is showing aggression, dominant behavior or is marking in the house then neuter them sooner. Neutering male dogs before they are middle age will prevent some prostate conditions (BPH, prostatitis, prostatic abscesses) , perineal hernias, and perineal adenomas which are hormonally caused. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about McDougall. Neutering a cat is a quick and safe procedure. Shelter vets are extremely experienced in neutering cats, as they will do it on a daily basis. It is very rare for there to be problems. He should be just fine getting it done at the shelter. I hope this helps!

I can sympathize with your frustration! I agree that it is healthier for the dog, in general, to wait until a bit later in life to spay or neuter - but many shelters and rescue groups require it to be done earlier as a way of ensuring that the animal never has a chance to be accidentally bred. Unfortunately, shelters and rescue groups are private organizations that are free to make their own rules - apart from politely requesting an exemption and giving your reasons, there isn't much you can do. If you aren't able to find a group in your area that is flexible on this issue and are unwilling to take a puppy that is already spayed or neutered at 8 weeks, purchasing a pup from a responsible breeder would be a very reasonable alternative option.

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Three years old is not too old to get neutered. Your veterinarian will likely want to see Charlie for an exam at least a few days before the surgery takes place and may need to have his blood draw at that time to make sure he is healthy enough for surgery. I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Charlie!