Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
Maui Humane Society offers high quality spay/neuter surgeries at a low cost for owned pets in the community. Animals are spayed (females) and neutered (males) by surgically removing their reproductive organs, which results in a better quality of life for our furry friends. Not only does spay/neuter lower the risk of several types of cancer, but it also improves pets’ behavior and makes them less likely to roam the neighborhood in search of a mate. Spay/neuter is a proactive solution to combating pet overpopulation on Maui.
We are experiencing a very high demand for spay/neuter appointments. Appointment slots open on the 15th of each month and appointments tend to fill up quickly. Mahalo for your patience! We are making every effort to accommodate our community’s needs with limited resources. Pet owners are also encouraged to consider scheduling spay/neuter surgery with their pet’s veterinarian.
Are you a community cat caretaker scheduling an appointment for TNVR? Maui Humane Society provides free spay/neuter and microchip implantation for healthy, un-owned feral and community cats. Traps for this program can be loaned free of charge with a refundable deposit. All community cats will be tipped and microchipped at the time of surgery. Read this first before scheduling. If you have 5 or more cats, email [email protected] to make an appointment.
Spay/Neuter FAQs
What is spaying/neutering?
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are surgical procedures performed by a veterinarian to remove the reproductive organs of an animal, preventing them from reproducing.
What does a spay/neuter surgery cost?
A dog spay/neuter surgery costs $125, and a cat spay/neuter surgery costs $65 (additional fees may apply) at Maui Humane Society, which includes a microchip* implantation if needed. Vaccine administration is also available for an additional cost.
*As of January 1, 2022, Hawaii law dictates that it is mandatory for all cats and dogs to be microchipped.
Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
Spaying and neutering can prevent unwanted litters, reduce the risk of certain cancers and diseases, decrease aggressive behavior, and help control the pet population.
At what age should I spay/neuter my pet?
Generally, dogs and cats who are healthy can be spayed or neutered as young as 8 weeks of age, if they weigh more than 2 lbs. Pets can be spayed or neutered into maturity, though like any surgery, procedures for older animals can come with risk. Your veterinarian can assess your pet’s health and determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
What is the recovery time after spaying or neutering my pet?
Recovery time varies, but most pets recovery quickly and are back to their normal selves the next day. Pets should avoid strenuous activity, swimming, or baths until fully healed, typically within 10-14 days. If you notice any issues, contact your vet promptly for guidance.
Does spaying/neutering have any health benefits for my pet?
Yes, spaying and neutering can help prevent certain reproductive-related health issues, such as uterine infections, mammary tumors, and testicular cancer. It can also reduce the risk of behavior-related injuries and diseases associated with roaming and fighting.
Is spaying/neutering safe for my pet?
Spaying and neutering are routine procedures performed by veterinarians and are generally safe for healthy animals. Like any surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia and infection, but these risks are minimal when the procedure is performed by a qualified veterinarian in a proper medical setting.
Will spaying/neutering change my pet's behavior?
Spaying and neutering can have positive effects on behavior, such as reducing roaming, aggression, and marking behaviors. However, individual responses may vary, and some behaviors may not be completely eliminated by spaying or neutering alone.
How does spaying/neutering help decrease pet overpopulation?
Spaying and neutering play a crucial role in reducing pet overpopulation by preventing the birth of unwanted litters. Every year, millions of homeless animals end up in shelters, and many of them are euthanized due to lack of space and resources. By spaying and neutering pets, we can help control the population of stray and homeless animals, ultimately reducing the burden on animal shelters.
