What Does Spay Or Neuter Mean? - BC SPCA

Close × Search bypostal code: Search postal code: Postal Code... RadiusKilometers50100150200

View all locations

Close × Search our site: What are you looking for? GO

Search Adoptable Animals or Lost & Found Pets

Donate

Animal Helpline:

1-855-622-7722

For all other calls and inquiries see our contact details.

What are you looking for? GO

Search Adoptable Animals or Lost & Found Pets

Find a BC SPCA location in your area:

Postal Code... RadiusKilometers50100150200

View all locations

• Adopt
  • Adoptable animals
  • How to adopt
  • Adoption fees
  • Adoption stories
  • Submit your adoption story
• Donate
  • Make a gift
  • Become a monthly donor
  • Get a copy of your tax receipt
  • Events & fundraisers
  • Medical emergency
  • Adopt a Kennel
  • Giving in Memory
  • Host your own fundraiser
  • Leave a loving gift in your will
  • Businesses that Give Back
  • Other ways to give
• I Need Help With…
• Programs & Services
  • Animal Protection
  • Leaders in our field
  • Working for better laws
  • Community work
  • Animal Centre Services
  • Veterinary services
  • Emergency Response Services
  • AnimalKind
  • Farm animal programs
  • Wild animal programs
  • Pet ID Registration
  • For kids & teens
• Ways to Help
  • Take action
  • Fundraisers
  • Volunteer
  • Become a BC SPCA Registered Member
  • Get updates
• News & Events
  • News
  • Events
  • eNewsletters
  • Publications
  • Media room
  • Get updates
• Shop
  • Shop
  • Gift Catalogue
  • Adopt a Kennel

• Animal Hotline
• Search the Site
• Find a Location

B

What does spay or neuter mean?

“Spaying” and “neutering” are surgical procedures used to prevent pets from reproducing. In a female animal, “spaying” consists of removing the ovaries or uterus and ovaries. The technical term is ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy. For a male animal, “neutering” involves the removal of the testicles, and this is known as castration.

In addition to preventing unwanted offspring, spaying or neutering has many health and behavioural benefits to the animal.

Categories: Pet care & behaviour, Sick animals/veterinary services

I need help with…

• Adoption
• Animal cruelty
• Animal issues
• Buying ethical meat/dairy
• Can’t keep an animal
• Exotic animals
• Farm animals
• Laws & enforcement in your community
• Lost & found animals
• Pet care & behaviour
• Questions about the BC SPCA
• Sick animals/veterinary services
• Wild animals