Pet Spaying & Neutering

At Foland Veterinary Services, we perform spay and neuter procedures for dogs and cats in Weatherford, TX, and the surrounding communities. Our experienced veterinary team approaches every surgical procedure with careful planning, precise technique, and complete safety from start to finish.

A Cut Above—Higher Standards of Surgical Care

Spaying and neutering are among the most common veterinary surgical procedures performed—and when done by an experienced team with high standards of care, they’re also among the safest. At Foland Veterinary Services, we hold ourselves to a higher standard in the operating room, because we know that the pet on our table is family to someone. Every procedure we perform—from routine neuters to more complex ovariohysterectomies—is carried out with the same level of attention, precision, and compassion.

We prefer to plan ahead and schedule surgical procedures so we can prepare thoroughly for each patient. Our team will walk you through everything you need to know before and after your pet’s surgery, so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Benefits of Spaying & Neutering Your Pet

For Female Pets:

  • Eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra), a potentially life-threatening condition
  • Reduces the risk of mammary tumors, particularly when performed before the first heat cycle
  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies and the physical toll of repeated heat cycles
  • Eliminates heat-related behaviors such as yowling, restlessness, and attracting unwanted male animals

For Male Pets:

  • Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
  • Reduces the risk of prostate problems
  • Can reduce roaming, marking, and aggression in many pets
  • Helps decrease the number of homeless animals in our community

For the Community

Pet overpopulation places enormous strain on shelters and rescue organizations across Texas. Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to a healthier, more humane community for animals in the greater Weatherford area.

What Are Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying refers to the surgical removal of a female pet’s reproductive organs—typically the ovaries and uterus—in a procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. Neutering refers to the surgical removal of a male pet’s testicles. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and are considered routine surgeries when carried out by a skilled veterinary team.

Beyond preventing unwanted litters, spaying and neutering offer meaningful health and behavioral benefits for your pet. These are not simply elective procedures—they’re an important part of responsible pet ownership and long-term health planning for many dogs and cats.

What to Expect Before, During & After Surgery

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Before the Procedure

Your veterinarian will perform a pre-surgical physical exam to ensure your pet is healthy and ready for anesthesia. We may recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork—particularly for older pets—to evaluate organ function and reduce anesthetic risk. You’ll receive clear instructions about fasting requirements and what to expect on the day of surgery.

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During the Procedure

Your pet will be placed under general anesthesia and monitored continuously throughout the procedure. Our team tracks vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, to ensure your pet remains safe and stable from the first incision to the final suture.

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After the Procedure

Most pets go home the same day as their procedure. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions covering activity restrictions, incision monitoring, pain management, and follow-up care. It’s normal for pets to be a little groggy or subdued in the first 24 hours—this is a natural response to anesthesia. Our team is always available to answer questions during your pet’s recovery.

When Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?

The ideal timing for spaying or neutering can vary depending on your pet’s species, breed, and size. Smaller breeds may be ready earlier, while some larger dog breeds may benefit from waiting until they’ve reached a certain stage of development. During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarians will discuss the timing that makes the most sense for your individual pet and help you make an informed decision—never a rushed one.

An orange tabby cat peeks over a white surface with its paws resting on the edge.

Emergency Reproductive Surgical Care

We prefer to plan ahead and schedule surgical procedures, but emergencies can develop quickly. If emergency surgery—such as a laceration repair or ovariohysterectomy to remove an infected uterus—is required, our team is prepared to jump into action to give your pet the best chance for a successful recovery. When your pet needs urgent surgical care, you won’t have to look far.

For more complex procedures, mobile veterinary surgeon Caleb Vaughan, DVM, is available by appointment to perform orthopedic procedures and more complex soft tissue surgeries right here in our hospital—so your pet gets the specialized care they need without the stress of traveling to a specialty facility.

Pet Spaying & Neutering FAQs

At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?

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General guidelines suggest spaying or neutering cats around 5–6 months of age, and smaller dog breeds around the same time. For larger and giant dog breeds, some veterinarians recommend waiting until the pet is closer to physical maturity. We'll discuss the best timing for your specific pet during their wellness visit.

Is the surgery painful for my pet?

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Your pet will be under general anesthesia during the procedure and will not feel pain during surgery. We use multimodal pain management protocols before, during, and after the procedure to keep your pet as comfortable as possible throughout recovery.

How long does recovery take?

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Most pets recover well within 10–14 days. During that time, it's important to restrict your pet's activity, prevent them from licking or chewing the incision site, and monitor for any signs of swelling, discharge, or unusual behavior. We'll go over all of this in detail at discharge.

Will spaying or neutering change my pet's personality?

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Spaying and neutering may reduce certain hormone-driven behaviors—such as roaming, marking, or aggression—but it does not change your pet's fundamental personality. Your pet will still be exactly who they are; just potentially a little calmer in certain situations.

Do you require pre-surgical bloodwork?

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We may recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork, especially for older pets or those with known health concerns, to ensure they're a safe candidate for anesthesia. Your veterinarian will let you know whether this is recommended for your pet ahead of the procedure.

Surgical Care You Can Count On

Spaying and neutering are foundational procedures in your pet’s long-term health plan—and choosing the right team to perform them matters. At Foland Veterinary Services, our veterinarians bring experience, careful preparation, and a genuine commitment to your pet’s well-being to every surgery we perform. Whether you’re scheduling a routine neuter or navigating an unexpected surgical need, pet owners throughout the Weatherford area can count on our team for honest guidance and skilled, compassionate care. For pets who need more complex procedures, our access to visiting surgeon Caleb Vaughan, DVM, means advanced surgical expertise is available right here—close to home.