Spaying and neutering pets to reduce pet overpopulation is standard veterinary practice, and usually involves removal of the sex organs to sterilize the animal. More recent research on dogs has shown that the lack of natural hormones resulting from spay or neuter can lead to other serious health complications. Hormone-sparing methods — like hysterectomy (also called ovary-sparing spay) for females and vasectomy for males — are ways to sterilize pets without the negative impacts from hormone loss.

When it comes to the question of whether, when, and how to sterilize pets, we encourage individualized decision-making to reduce risks and enhance benefits for the dog.

Handy resources:

Seeking information on hormone therapy for dogs? See hormone restoration in dogs.

How Spay & Neuter Affect Health
How Spay & Neuter Affect Health

How Spay & Neuter Affect Health

Spaying and neutering pets to reduce pet overpopulation is standard veterinary practice, and usually involves removal
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Hormone-Sparing Procedures
Hormone-Sparing Sterilization Procedures
Hormone-Sparing Procedures

Hormone-Sparing Procedures

Hormone-sparing sterilization procedures — like hysterectomy (also called ovary-sparing spay)
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Identification of Dogs
Identification of Dogs

Identification of Dogs

Dogs that have a hysterectomy or vasectomy need identification to reduce the risk they'll receive unnecessary surgery if they're lost.
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Based upon the review of the literature, it becomes clear that canine gonads are not merely reproductive organs but critical to endocrine, musculoskeletal, behavior, and antineoplastic health.

Zwida & Kutzler

Recent scientific studies demonstrate that spaying/neutering, particularly before a dog is fully mature, may result in detrimental long-term health impacts. In light of this information, AKC encourages breeders, owners and veterinarians to consult on the appropriateness and timing of spaying or neutering an individual dog.

AKC Position Statement on Spaying and Neutering

About the only positive effect on behavior that seems to result from spaying and neutering is the roughly 68 percent decrease in urine marking.

Stanley Coren Ph.D., F.R.S.C

Thought leaders are beginning to accept that spay and neuter have both positive and negative health consequences that vary by age, gender and breed.

Elaine Lissner

The societal practice in the U.S. of dog neutering contrasts with the general attitudes in many European countries, where neutering is commonly avoided and not generally promoted by animal health authorities.

Torres de la Riva, et al.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in cats is safe, can be performed in a comparable amount of time as traditional ovariohysterectomy, and may result in less postoperative discomfort.

Case et al.

I am so thankful for this site. I have referred people to you for years. ... I've told people about the option of hormone-sparing surgeries and also managing their intact animals with integrity and compassion. I look at your site and tell them about veterinarians near them who can do these surgeries.

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