Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrea Oas, DVMSpay & Neuter Surgery in Lake Stevens, WA
At North Davies Veterinary Hospital, spay and neuter surgery is performed with the same care and individual attention we bring to every procedure, because your pet deserves nothing less.
More Than a
Routine
Procedure
Spay and neuter surgery is one of the most common procedures in veterinary medicine, but common does not mean it should feel like an assembly line. At North Davies Veterinary Hospital, every spay and neuter is performed by Dr. Oas with a full pre-surgical evaluation, careful anesthesia monitoring, and thorough post-operative care. Your pet is an individual, and we treat them that way from the moment they arrive to the moment they go home with you.
Beyond the surgery itself, spaying and neutering offers real, lasting health benefits for your pet. For females, spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and reduces the risk of mammary tumors. For males, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and can ease hormone-driven behavioral concerns like roaming and marking. These procedures also play a meaningful role in reducing pet overpopulation in our community, which is something we care about.
We also welcome brachycephalic breeds, including French Bulldogs and other flat-faced dogs that some practices are hesitant to take on. Dr. Oas is experienced and comfortable working with these breeds, and our team takes the additional precautions necessary to keep them safe through anesthesia and recovery. If you have had trouble finding a practice willing to care for your flat-faced pet, you have found the right place.
Your Pet's Spay or
Neuter Experience
Spaying and neutering are among the most common surgical procedures in veterinary medicine and play a meaningful role in your pet’s long-term health. Beyond preventing unwanted litters, these procedures can reduce the risk of certain cancers, infections, and behavioral issues. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides guidance on the health benefits and recommended timing of spay and neuter procedures for dogs and cats.
How the Procedure Works
Step 1: Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Before any spay or neuter, Dr. Oas performs a thorough physical exam to make sure your pet is healthy and ready for surgery. We will go over their medical history together, talk through the anesthesia protocol, and make sure every question you have is answered before surgery day. For older pets or those with any known health concerns, we may recommend pre-surgical bloodwork to give us the clearest possible picture going in.
Step 2: Surgery and Monitoring
On the day of surgery, your pet is monitored closely from the time they are sedated through the procedure and all the way into recovery. Our team follows current anesthesia safety protocols and gives extra attention to patients who need it, including brachycephalic breeds. We use a CO2 laser in applicable procedures to minimize bleeding and support a smoother, faster healing process.
Step 3: Recovery and At-Home Care
Most pets recover well from spay and neuter surgery and are ready to go home the same day. Before you leave, we will go over post-operative care instructions in detail, covering activity restrictions, how to monitor the incision site, and what signs to watch for during recovery. We are here to answer any follow-up questions that come up at home, and we will schedule a recheck as needed to make sure everything is healing the way it should.
Why Spay and Neuter
Matters for Your Pet
Spaying and neutering is about far more than preventing unwanted litters. These procedures offer meaningful, lifelong health benefits that can genuinely add years to your pet’s life and reduce the risk of serious conditions down the road.
The following are some of the most well-documented health benefits of spaying and neutering dogs and cats.
Health Benefits of Spay & Neuter Surgery
- Eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) in female pets
- Reduces the risk of mammary tumors in female dogs and cats
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in male pets
- Can reduce hormone-driven behavioral issues such as roaming, marking, and aggression
- Contributes to reducing pet overpopulation in the Lake Stevens community
Spay and Neuter Surgery
From a Team You Can Trust
Spay and neuter surgery has been part of North Davies Veterinary Hospital since the very beginning, and under Dr. Oas’s ownership, the care and intention behind each procedure have only grown. We are independently owned and operated, which means every surgical decision is made by a veterinarian who has met your pet, knows their history, and is personally invested in how they do.
We welcome all breeds, including brachycephalic dogs like French Bulldogs that other practices sometimes turn away. If you have been looking for a practice in Lake Stevens that will treat your pet with the individual care and surgical attention they deserve, we would love to meet you and your animal. Booking is simple through our online scheduling system, and our team is always happy to answer questions before your pet’s procedure so you feel fully prepared going in.
What You Can Expect at Every Visit to North Davies Veterinary Hospital
Community
Focused
FULL
TRANSPARENCY
Individualized
Care
Affordable
Treatment
FAQS
What age should I spay or neuter my pet?
The right timing depends on your pet’s species, breed, and size, so there is not one universal answer. For many dogs and cats, procedures are commonly performed around five to six months of age, though recommendations for larger breeds have shifted in recent years as we have learned more. Dr. Oas will talk through the timing that makes the most sense for your specific pet during your consultation and explain the reasoning behind her recommendation. We would rather take the extra few minutes to get it right than give you a blanket answer that may not fit your animal.
Is spay or neuter surgery safe for my pet?
Yes. Spay and neuter procedures are among the most commonly performed surgeries in veterinary medicine and are considered very safe for healthy pets. As with any procedure involving anesthesia, there are always some risks involved, which is exactly why we do a thorough pre-surgical evaluation before every operation. Our team monitors your pet closely throughout the procedure and recovery, and we will always be upfront with you about anything we want to keep an eye on going in.
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