Charlotte Pet Spay and Neuter Services

Charlotte Pet Spay and Neuter Services

The Humane Society of Charlotte has been providing spay/neuter services in Charlotte since 1982. The HSC Spay/Neuter Clinic was the first low-cost clinic in the Southeast offering high-quality, affordable surgeries to cats and dogs. 

Spaying or neutering your pet and ensuring their vaccinations are up to date is not only good for your pets and your family but also creates a healthier community for everyone here in Charlotte.

Please note: To schedule a spay/neuter appointment for a stray, feral, or neighborhood cat, click here. Availability for these appointments is limited each month.

Book a Spay/Neuter Appointment

A $25 non-refundable deposit will be collected at the time of scheduling your appointment. This $25 will be credited toward the cost of your pet’s surgery.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased anesthesia risks, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Pekingese are required to have a pre-surgical exam with one of our veterinarians prior to scheduling surgery with our organization. During this exam, the veterinarian will assess your dog to ensure it is a good candidate for anesthesia and surgery and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Canceling your appointment at any time, or not arriving to your scheduled appointment will result in this deposit becoming a donation to the Humane Society of Charlotte. If you need to reschedule, we do require 72-hour advance notice in order to transfer the deposit to a new appointment.

Jump Ahead

What Does Spay or Neuter Mean?

Both spaying and neutering describe the surgical process of removing your pet’s reproductive organs.

  • Spay or spaying is the term used for female pets. At HSC we perform an ovariohysterectomy spay, where both the ovaries and uterus are removed.
  • Neuter or neutering describes the same process for male pets. During neuter surgery, your pet’s testicles are removed.

Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?

Spay and neuter surgeries help fight the overpopulation of cats and dogs by reducing the number of unplanned litters.

These surgeries provide your pet with important health and behavioral advantages while offering you financial benefits as well.

Health Benefits

  • As a result of the surgery, spayed female pets have a lowered risk of developing breast cancer and life-threatening infections that can occur in the uterus.
  • Neutering male pets eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and decreases the risk of prostate complications.

Behavioral Benefits

  • Spayed female pets won’t go into heat or engage in heat-related behaviors such as increased howling and mate seeking.
  • Neutered male pets will be less inclined to urine mark their territory.
  • Neutered male pets will be less motivated to escape to look for a mate.
  • The Humane Society of Charlotte also offers pet training and behavior counseling.

Financial Benefits

  • The cost of spay/neuter services is far less than the cost of a new litter.
  • The health benefits associated with spay/neuter services can reduce future medical bills associated with the potential health complications mentioned above.

When Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?

The specific timeframes in which pets should be spayed or neutered depend on the type of pet you have, their age, and their health status. We recommend that you consult your primary care Veterinarian if you have specific questions about when to alter your pet.

Dogs

  • Dogs are usually spayed or neutered around six to nine months old. However, healthy puppies can undergo the surgery as young as eight weeks.
  • Adult dogs can be spayed/neutered too. Older dogs, dogs with medical issues, or overweight dogs may be at higher risk for postoperative complications.
  • Female dogs can be spayed while in heat.

Cats

  • Cats are usually spayed or neutered between eight weeks old and six months.
  • Adult cats can be spayed/neutered too. However, older cats, cats with medical issues, or overweight cats may be at higher risk for postoperative complications.
  • Female cats can be spayed while in heat.

How Do I Schedule a Spay or Neuter Service?

If you are ready to spay or neuter your pet, you can schedule an appointment online by choosing an available time slot that works best for you. You can also schedule an appointment by calling us at 704-333-4130.

Please note: Due to national and local veterinary professional staffing shortages, appointment availability is currently limited. All open appointments will be made available through our website.

Spay/Neuter Service Pricing

Dog Spay (Female): $110*

Dog Neuter (Male): $90*

Cat Spay (Female): $70

Cat Neuter (Male): $55

Umbilical Hernias: add $25-50

TNR Cats Spay/Neuter: $35

*Note:

  • For dogs 50-75 lbs., add an additional $20.
  • For dogs 75lbs. and up, add an additional $40.
  • Pets 7 years of age and older require additional blood work at a rate of $80 to ensure the safety and health of your pet during surgery.
  • Prices are subject to change.

Non-Refundable Deposit

A $25 non-refundable deposit will be collected at the time of scheduling your appointment. This $25 will be credited toward the cost of your pet’s surgery.

Canceling your appointment at any time, or not arriving to your scheduled appointment will result in this deposit becoming a donation to the Humane Society of Charlotte. If you need to reschedule, we do require 72-hour advance notice in order to transfer the deposit to a new appointment.

What Spay/Neuter Pricing Includes

For dogs, spay/neuter surgery pricing includes 3 days of take-home pain medication.

For cats, spay/neuter surgery pricing includes an injection of a long-acting pain medication that can last up to 72 hours.

Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available. Please book your appointment by phone if assistance is needed. HSC offers 10% discounts on all adoptions and services to seniors age 65 and older and to all military. Must show identification.

What to Expect: Spay/Neuter Services

Before Surgery

  • Bathe or groom your pet before you take them in for the appointment, as you must keep the pet’s incision site dry after surgery.
  • Avoid giving adult pets food after midnight on the night before surgery.
  • Designate a warm and quiet space where your pet can recover.
  • Pack leashes or carriers.

Day of Surgery

Appointment Check-In for Surgery: 8am

Appointment Pick-Up from Surgery: 3pm

*HSC Spay/Neuter Clinic closes at 4:00 pm

Your pet will be given an injection of pain medication prior to and following surgery. For cats, this injection is long-acting and can last up to 72 hours. For dogs, we send home 3 days of oral pain medication to be started the morning after surgery.

Post-Surgery Care Instructions for Your Pet

Your pet has just undergone major surgery. It is extremely important that you read and follow these instructions. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or death of your pet.

You can also download these post-surgery pet care instructions here. 

HSC post-surgery pet care SPANISH instructions

The Day After Surgery

  • Anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, please avoid food and water for the night.
  • If vomiting is excessive or persists, please contact your veterinarian.
  • You may offer your pet a small amount of food and water if there is no vomiting.
  • There may be a small amount of blood from the incision for the first 24-48 hours. Anything more than a small amount should be reported to a veterinarian at once.
  • Your pet will experience pain at the incision site. DO NOT USE OVER-THE-COUNTER HUMAN PAIN MEDICATION!
  • Your pet’s full appetite should return 24 hours after surgery
  • For cats: Shredded newspaper or dust-free litter should be used for 5 days following surgery to prevent infection.

Day 2-16 After Surgery

  • During the 10-14 days after surgery, your pet must be kept inside in a warm, dry place.
  • Dogs should be allowed outside for short, supervised, leash walks only.
  • Keep your pet in a space that is as quiet as possible.
  • Check your pet’s incision twice daily for infection.
  • Keep the surgical incision site clean and dry. Do not bathe your pet for 10-14 days following the surgery.
  • Prevent contact with other pets for the next 48 hours. If your pet was in heat, prevent contact with intact males for two weeks.
  • A hard knot may develop at the incision site. This is normal and will go away over time.

Licking is The Most Common Post-Surgery Problem

The most common post-surgical problems are caused by the pet licking their incision. The best way to prevent that is with the use of an E-Collar (Elizabethan Collar). The E-Collar must be worn 24 hours a day for 10-14 days and extend 1 ½ to 2 inches past the pet’s nose.

Your animal may need an e-collar if she/he is licking or chewing at the incision site. These are available for purchase at our clinic on the day of surgery.  You may also obtain it at either your primary veterinarian’s office or a local pet store.

Additional Services Available on Surgery Day

Below are services that are available on the day of your pet’s scheduled surgery along with their pricing.

  • 1-Year Rabies Vaccine: $20
  • 3-Year Rabies Vaccine (must have proof of prior rabies vaccination): $20
  • Canine Distemper/Parvo Vaccine (DHPP): $15
  • Canine Bordetella Vaccine (Kennel Cough): $15
  • Canine Leptospirosis Vaccine: $20
  • Canine Heartworm Testing: $25
  • Feline Distemper Vaccine (FVRCP): $15
  • Feline Leukemia Vaccine: $22
  • Feline Leukemia and FIV Test: $25
  • Microchip: $20*
  • Deworming: $10
  • Fecal testing: $25
  • Nail Trimming $5*
  • Rear Detached Dewclaw Removal: $20-$40*
  • E-collars: $8-$20 (based on weight)

*These services and pricing are available during surgery only. Pricing reflects 2024 price changes.

Spay/Neuter FAQs

What if My Pet Has Complications After The Surgery? 

If your pet has a problem specifically related to this surgery, you may return to the clinic for a recheck examination. Please call and let us know the concerns you have noticed, and we will schedule your pet for a recheck that day. There is no fee for the exam, however, there may be a charge if any medications are prescribed. 

How Long Does it Take for Sutures to Heal?

Your pet’s skin sutures are dissolvable and no suture removal is necessary (unless otherwise noted by your veterinarian). Sutures should dissolve completely within four months. 

What Are The Signs That The Surgery Site Is Infected?

While some pink coloring and scabbing is normal, signs of infection include swelling, redness, tenderness, unpleasant odor, and/or discharge. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your veterinarian right away.