Spaying or neutering your pets before they reach the age where they are able to reproduce is part of being a responsible pet owner. In every breed early spaying or neutering will decrease the risk of virtually all types of reproductive system cancers and can also help prevent behavioral changes and aggression related to hormonal changes in both males and females.

Spaying for females and neutering for males is a simply surgery that is performed by a vet under either general anesthesia. Since both male and female procedures are different, each will be discussed separately. Spaying and neutering can be done any time after the puppies are 12 weeks old, although most vets prefer to wait until the puppy is six months or older to allow them to fully mature and develop. There is conflicted research about the necessity of this delay, however until the female comes into heat she will not breed anyway, which very rarely occurs before seven to eight months of age, even in small breeds. Larger breeds the female may not come into heat until closer to one year of age.

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Now that you’ve become a pet owner and brought home your adorable little puppy, your next step is to find her a good veterinarian. Not all vets are alike so it’s your job to do your homework about the person you’ll be entrusting with your pet’s health care. You have a role, too, working as a team with the vet to make sure your dog’s needs are met.

Okay, you know this is an important decision. How should you go about making it?

Ask Other Dog Owners

Other dog owners are a good resource for finding a veterinarian. They can share their experiences, provide recommendations, and act as a sounding board for your questions. Keep in mind that this is a good starting point and you should always check out a recommended vet clinic for yourself.

Make An Appointment To Visit The Clinic

Most vet clinics are happy to schedule visits to their facility. They know this is a valuable way to win clients so don’t be shy about calling to ask for a tour. They usually have staff member show you around and introduce you to the vet, but if you want to have an extended interview with the doctor then expect that you may be charged a fee.

Take A Tour

There are several things to look for on your tour. Is the staff professional and courteous? Do they communicate well with you and with each other? Is the facility clean and neat? Check out the animal care and kennel areas – are they clean, comfortable, and odor-free? Is the atmosphere relaxed and pet-focused or is it tense and people-focused? Take a small notebook along with you and write down your observations for later review.

Ask Questions

It’s a good idea to write down a list of questions in advance and bring it along on your visit. Your questions should address practical things like clinic hours, payment options, etc., as well as more individual things like pet care philosophy, areas of specialty, and rapport with the vet. Refer to the list periodically during the tour to make sure your areas of interest are all discussed.

Check Qualifications And Accreditations

You’ll want to check on the veterinarian’s qualifications. Does she have any advanced training or specialized accreditation? It’s not enough to just look at the diplomas on the wall, you need to ask for specifics and check with professional organizations for information.

Make A Test Visit With Your Dog

Don’t wait until your dog is sick or injured to take her to the vet. It’s best to make an appointment for getting acquainted. This helps both your dog and the vet get to know each other in a non-pressure situation and will also give you an opportunity to watch how they interact.

Part of being a responsible pet owner is ensuring quality health care from a qualified veterinarian. You’ll find it’s a wise investment of time to gather information and seek out a good provider who fits the needs of you and your dog.