Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats

The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted animals of these species. Just as for other veterinary medical and surgical procedures, veterinarians should use their best professional judgment based on the current scientific literature in deciding at what age spay/neuter should be performed on individual animals. The decision should be made by the animal’s owner in consultation with a veterinarian after discussing associated risks and benefits.​

​Related resources

Gonadectomy resources for veterinarians

Literature review: Welfare implications of gonadectomy of dogs