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Surgical Instructions

Spaying and neutering your pet is an important part of being a responsible guardian. Not only are you helping to address overpopulation in your community, but you are also taking an important step toward your pet’s health and happiness.

Please note the following important information when arranging a spay or neuter procedure for your dog or cat.

  • An appointment is required for the surgical procedure. Please note that a pre surgical examination is required prior to booking a procedure. To book a pre-surgical exam, please visit our appointment booking page.
  • Spay/neuter admittance for dogs: Monday to Friday between 8:00-8:30am.
  • Spay/neuter admittance for cats: Monday to Friday between 8:00-8:30am.
  • Examinations and/or extra fees apply for: mature animals (>12months), pregnant, retained testes, umbilical hernias, brachycephalic breeds, retained baby teeth and other procedures.
  • The BC SPCA Penticton Veterinary Hospital will not spay dogs in heat.
  • Animals must have up to date vaccinations (or guardian will be required to sign a waiver)
  • Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is recommended to be done prior to any general anesthetic.
  • Pre and post-operative IV fluids are required for all patients for their safety.

Your pet’s spay/neuter procedure includes:

  • Pre-operative examination and assessment
  • Premedication and sedation
  • Intravenous catheterization
  • Anesthetic induction and maintenance
  • Anesthetic monitoring (including: continuous ECG, blood pressure, end tidal CO2, Pulse oxygen and dedicated licensed veterinary technologist monitoring all anesthetics)
  • Local anesthetic blocks
  • Intraoperative IV fluids
  • Multimodal pain control in hospital
  • 4 days of post-operative pain control to give at home
  • Tattoo ID
  • Microchip and lifetime registration in the BC Pet Registry
  • Post-operative snack
  • Elizabethan collar
  • Cuddles are free!

These fees are for healthy, young, non-pregnant animals less than 12 months of age only. Discounts are available for families with verifiable income below certain thresholds. Please inquire before making an appointment.

Pre-Surgical Instructions

The night before:

  • No food, including treats, after 6 pm the night before surgery (diabetics excluded)
  • Water available until bedtime

The day of:

  • If your pet is a dog, please walk before coming to the clinic to allow our pet to empty their bladder and bowels.
  • Please arrive between 8 a.m to 8:30 am and plan for 5-15 minutes to go over the authorization forms and surgical admission with a technician.