Frequently Asked Questions
- What does “spay” mean?
- What does “neuter” mean?
- Is spaying and neutering my pets cruel? What are the advantages?
- At what age can my pet be spay or neutered?
- My veterinarian says that my pet should be at least 6 months old before it is spayed or neutered. Why should I have it done sooner?
- My dog is pregnant; will you still spay her?
- Is there a minimum weight requirement for my pet to be spayed or neutered?
- Is having my pet spayed or neutered on a mobile unit safe and sterile?
- How do I make an appointment?
- What forms of Payment does SNAP accept?
- How many pets can I have spayed or neutered with SNAP?
- Is there flexibility on drop off and pick up times for my appointment(s)?
- What is SNAP’s cancellation policy?
- My pet is already spayed or neutered; can I bring it to SNAP for vaccines only?
- Does SNAP provide any services to pets that have already been spayed or neutered?
What does “spay” mean?
To surgically remove both ovaries and uterus on a female cat or dog, preventing them from producing offspring.
What does “neuter” mean?
To surgically remove both testicles on a male cat or dog, preventing them from producing offspring.
Is spaying and neutering my pets cruel? What are the advantages?
No! The single largest advantage is the contribution to ending pet-overpopulation and the killing of healthy pets in animal shelters. In addition, it reduces aggressiveness, spraying, wandering, and other unwanted behaviors. There is less stress and pets recover from surgery faster. Health wise, we see fewer cases of mammary cancers, prostate cancers, etc. Pets live longer!
Reducing cat and dog overpopulation not only prevents unnecessary killing, it is fiscally responsible. Millions of taxes dollars are spent each year on animal control services, which includes housing and killing unwanted cats and dogs.
At what age can my pet be spay or neutered?
Pets can be safely spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks of age. We prefer to wait until 3 months at which time the puppy or kitten should have already had a series of vaccines. We do include one Distemper combination booster shot, and a Rabies vaccine at that age, if needed.
My veterinarian says that my pet should be at least 6 months old before it is spayed or neutered. Why should I have it done sooner?
Historically, there has been concern about stunted growth, obesity, urinary incontinence, behavioral changes, and increased risk under anesthesia. However, studies have shown that there is no substantial difference in criteria between those done at early-age (8-14 weeks), or those done at sexual maturity (6 months).
My dog is pregnant; will you still spay her?
Yes. If we feel that there is ANY chance that a fetus is viable, we will gently put them to sleep by injection, through the uterine wall, so that they never see the light of day or take a breath. While this may seem harsh, it is better to not have any born at all, than to have them be born, and for every one born, one already alive and well in a shelter, must be put to death...often in a gas chamber.
Is there a minimum weight requirement for my pet to be spayed or neutered?
Yes, SNAP requires that all dogs weigh at least 8 pounds on the day of surgery. Kittens should be at least 2 pounds.
Is having my pet spayed or neutered on a mobile unit safe and sterile?
Yes! SNAP-NC is a completely equipped and staffed “clinic on wheels” that goes directly into communities to perform safe sterilization of cats and dogs. A licensed veterinarian, in a sterile environment performs all surgeries. An on-board generator and water supply make the unit totally self-sufficient and able to travel into even the most remote areas to serve our clients.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call our office at 919-783-SNAP (7627) or email us at info@snap-nc.org to schedule an appointment.
What forms of Payment does SNAP accept?
Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Payment is due in the morning when you drop your pet off for surgery.
How many pets can I have spayed or neutered with SNAP?
While there is no limit to the total number of pets you can have spayed or neutered with SNAP; we do limit the number of appointments to 2 pets per household per day. We do this in order to make our service available to as many clients as possible.
Is there flexibility on drop off and pick up times for my appointment(s)?
No. Please be prepared to drop-off and pick-up your pet(s) at the times designated by SNAP personnel. If you are late for pick-up you may be charged additional late fees.
What is SNAP’s cancellation policy?
We require 3 business days notice if you would like to cancel or reschedule your appointment(s). Failure to do so will result in you not being given another appointment for a future date. However, we will allow you to come on a ‘stand-by’ basis at a future date.
My pet is already spayed or neutered; can I bring it to SNAP for vaccines only?
No. SNAP-NC’s mission is to address pet-overpopulation. We will only offer additional services at the time your pet comes for surgery since most of our clients have never had their pet to a veterinarian before. Please establish a relationship with your local veterinarian for your pet’s continuing wellness care.
Does SNAP provide any services to pets that have already been spayed or neutered?
No.
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