Companion animal spay-neuter programs

Comment on this policy

Every animal, regardless of its ownership, should receive quality veterinary and surgical care. Because of a wide range of geographic and demographic needs, a variety of programs have been developed to increase delivery of spay-neuter services to targeted populations of animals; these include stationary and mobile clinics, MASH-style operations, shelter services, feral cat programs, and services provided through private practitioners.^1,* These programs should conform to current standards of practice as described by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians' veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs, and comply with local and state laws.^**

¹ Griffin B, Bushby PA, McCobb E, et al. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016;249(2):164–188.
* MASH = Mobile Army Surgical Hospital
** July 1, 2008

Shelter medicine

Canine

Feline

Animal health

Pet ownership

Spay/neuter

AVMA policy