Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are euthanized. The good news is that responsible pet owners can make a difference. By having your dog or cat sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens. Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters, help protect against some serious health problems, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct.
How many clinics do you have each year?
Pet Fixers is scheduled to hold 8 clinics between April and November 2022. Registration opens on the first of the month prior to the month of the schedule clinic. For example, registration for the September clinic would open on August 1. Please check the calendar page for a list of clinics and special events. You may also want to follow our Facebook page to be alerted of changes or cancellations. We will do our best to personally contact all our clients if we must cancel a clinic.
What should I expect the day of my appointment?
General anesthesia is administered to perform the surgery and medications are given to minimize pain. You will be asked to keep your pet calm and quiet for a few days after surgery as the incision begins to heal. You will be told when and where to arrive with your pet when you receive confirmation of your acceptance for surgery. Everyone arrives during that same time window, so please be prepared with any documents you may need. Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be securely leashed.
What if my pet has special medical conditions, is over-weight, pregnant or in heat?
Under no circumstances will pregnant animals be operated on. Obese animals may cost more and will be considered on an individual basis as are medical conditions. There is no additional charge for dogs or cats in heat. If an animal is found to be pregnant after drop-off, deposits are not refundable.
I heard that it’s good for my female pet to have a litter before she’s spayed or my pet is too old to be fixed, is that true?
Consult your veterinarian about the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet based upon his/her breed, age and physical condition. Keep in mind that, contrary to popular belief, it may NOT be best to wait until your female dog or cat has gone through her first heat cycle. The procedure has no effect on a pet’s intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. Some pets tend to be better behaved following surgical removal of their ovaries or testes, making them more desirable companions.
Are there any health risks with spay and neuter procedures?
While both spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Like any surgical procedure, sterilization is associated with some anesthetic and surgical risk, but the overall incidence of complications is very low. Although reproductive hormones cause mating behaviors that may be undesirable for many pet owners, these hormones also affect your pet’s overall health and can be beneficial whether your pet has had a litter or not. Removing your pet’s ovaries or testes removes these hormones and can result in increased risk of health problems such as urinary incontinence and some types of cancer. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits and risks of the sterilization procedure so you can make an informed decision. Removing a female dog or cat’s ovaries eliminates heat cycles and generally reduces the unwanted behaviors that may lead to owner frustration. Removing the testes from male dogs and cats reduces the breeding instinct, making them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits and risks of the sterilization procedure so you can make an informed decision.
What if I forgot about my appointment or forget/cancel my clinic appointment?
Please be courteous and alert us if you must cancel your appointment so that we can fill your spot with another client. Call 218-760-1307 or email petfixers@greatriverrescue to contact us about cancellation. If you cancel or miss your appointment, you will NOT be refunded your $40 deposit, and you will be required to re-apply.
Why are your prices are so low?
Caring individuals and businesses monetarily sponsor our endeavors so that can subsidize the cost to run the clinics. Clinics are primarily run by volunteers, and our Veterinarians only receive a small payment for their services. If you’d like to contribute time or money, please look at the opportunities available on our Volunteer and Sponsor pages.
