Spay/Neuter Library

Your one-stop shop for everything you need to get your spay/neuter clinic on track, from surgical techniques and clinic flow to keeping your patients low stress and happy with the highest level of care possible.

Veterinarian holds a spay/neuter patient.

Tips & FAQs

Spay/Neuter Clinic Veterinary Standards of Care

Use these Veterinary Standards of Care to maintain effective and humane practices at your high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic.

vet staff holds syringe with baggie in clinic setting

Tools & Job Aids

Guide to Controlled Substance Management in the HQHVSN Setting

These guidelines will aid licensed veterinarians & HQHVSN clinics in determining proper ordering, storage, and handling of controlled substances.

spay/neuter visual learning signage for clinics to reference during procedures

Tools & Job Aids

Graphical Signage for Spay/Neuter Clinic Visual Learning

These quick, easy-to-understand graphic signs help train on various spay/neuter best practices.

How-To

Video: How to Prevent Hypothermia in Spay/Neuter Patients

This video explains how anesthesia can cause hypothermia and how to prevent it at your spay/neuter clinic.

two gloved hands applying blue post-op spay neuter tattoo

How-To

Video: Spay/Neuter Tattoo Application

This video shows a standardized way to apply tattoos to indicate an animal has been spayed or neutered.

Correct posture during surgery for veterinarians

Webinar

Ergonomics for Surgeons

Learn how to appropriately set up the surgical area and perform spay/neuter surgery to decrease the physical strain on veterinarians.

Watch the Webinar

woman in scrubs performs CPR on mannequin dog while second woman tends to machin

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic CPR Protocol

This material covers implementing a CPR protocol for your spay/neuter clinic.

Tips & Tools for an Efficient Spay/Neuter Clinic

This booklet can help shelters, rescues or clinics easily increase efficiency in their spay/neuter operations.

How-To

Spay/Neuter Clinic Kennel Cleaning & Disease Prevention

These videos demonstrate techniques for disease prevention and kennel cleaning in a spay/neuter clinic setting.

How-To

Spay/Neuter Video: Packs Preparation

This video demonstrates a method to prepare, sterilize and organize spay/neuter surgical packs.

How-To

Video: How to Clean and Maintain Spay/Neuter Equipment

This video shows ways to clean and disinfect spay/neuter equipment, plus tips to prevent disease transmission and malfunctions.

Staff gently removing cats from carriers ready for their exam

How-To

Spay/Neuter Clinic Intake Process How-to Videos

Watch these how-to videos for detailed instructions on properly assessing cats and dogs during spay/neuter clinic intake.

Tools & Job Aids

Behavior Assessment of Animals for Spay/Neuter Intake

Learn intake flow and technique for assessing canine and feline behavior on arrival from transport prior to spay/neuter surgery

How-To

Spay/Neuter Video: Clinic Kennel Cards

This video shows how to make sure your spay/neuter clinic’s kennel cards contain all necessary information and how to best tag each animal.

How-To

Spay/Neuter Clinic Paperwork Flow Video

From intake to pick-up, this how-to video shows ways to make sure your spay/neuter clinic has accurate and accessible medical records.

generic shelter paperwork being filled out

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Supplementary Intake Forms

These documents are important for follow-up after spay/neuter surgery or for assessing patients who are high-risk.

Staff gently handling a cat during examination

Tools & Job Aids

Body Condition System

Can you recognize ideal body conditions? This illustrated chart guides you through indicators that a cat or a dog is too heavy or thin.

Webinar

ASNA Gentle Handling Techniques for Cats

Learn handling techniques for cats that decrease stress and increase compliance in feline patients.

Watch the Webinar

gentle handling of cat in orange blanket

Tips & FAQs

Gentle Animal Handling Techniques for Clinics and Shelters During COVID-19

Get tips for gently handling dogs and cats in a clinic setting during periods of physical distancing, including COVID-19.

woman wearing maroon scrubs holds kitten bundled in clean towel smiling

How-To

Animal Handling at Spay/Neuter Clinics

These videos show how to minimize stress while gently handling animals in a spay/neuter clinic.

hands holding black animal administering anesthesia before spay or neuter

Tools & Job Aids

Anesthesia Protocols for Spay/Neuter Clinic Patients

These videos show ways to administer and monitor anesthesia in a spay/neuter clinic setting.

Staff fitting an endotracheal tube to the spay/neuter surgical candidate

Webinar

Updates to Spay/Neuter Clinic Anesthetic Protocols

Anesthesia standards have changed for cats and dogs. Learn what’s new and why, get the latest on training practices, and learn about cost fluctuation.

Watch the Webinar

How-To

Spay/Neuter Clinic Drawing Drugs How-to Video

This video shows ways to draw drugs efficiently at your spay/neuter clinic, plus properly track and record them.

How-To

Spay/Neuter Clinic Drug Charts & Logs

These nine charts and logs can be used to track dosage and drugs for your spay/neuter clinic patients.

Staff adds powder to prepare a dog for his surgical shave

How-To

Preparing Spay/Neuter Patients for Surgery

These videos demonstrate proper post-anesthesia protocol for preparing canine and feline patients prior to spay/neuter surgery.

A veterinarian waits for her patient to be prepped before starting surgery

How-To

Spay/Neuter Clinic Medical Flow Video

This how-to video nicely illustrates proper medical flow at a spay/neuter clinic. Included is a document that details daily flow.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Anesthesia Equipment Charts

Print and post these endotracheal tube size and re-breathing reference charts to show at a glance the correct size for each s/n patient.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter IV Drip Rate Chart

This chart provides a visual of the proper rate and flow of IV fluid based on weight.

How-To

Spay/Neuter Surgery Video: Open Gloving Technique

Sanitation in a spay/neuter clinic is particularly vital, and it all starts with a proper gloving technique. In this video, ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance staff gives a step-by-step review of the one way to ensure a sterile surgery environment.

Tips & FAQs

Video: Draping Techniques During Spay/Neuter Surgery

This video shows ways to drape sterile towels on male and female cats and dogs undergoing spay/neuter surgery.

Publication

New Research Shows Ovarian Pedicle Tie Safe in Feline Spay Surgery

Learn more about spaying female cats with the ovarian pedicle tie (OPT) technique, which can be performed 30% faster than traditional sutures with comparable hemorrhaging risks.

How-To

Video: How to Perform the Strangle Knot (Modified Miller's Knot) in Spay/Neuter Surgery

Watch these instructional videos to learn the pedicle tie and strangle knot during feline spay surgeries.

Tools & Job Aids

Guidelines for Emergency Autotransfusion in Case of Emergency Hemoabdomen

Download this free step-by-step guide to use in case of emergency hemoabdomen, created by the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance.

hands holding pincers and tubing for spay/neuter surgery

Tools & Job Aids

High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter Surgical Techniques Booklet

This “dry lab” manual has been created to practically demonstrate efficient high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter techniques in a safe, straightforward format.

Veterinarian performing spay/neuter surgery

Tips & FAQs

Spay/Neuter Surgery Techniques

These five instructional videos cover a range of specialized techniques used during spay/neuter surgeries.

Surgeon obtaining suture ready for spay/neuter surgery

How-To

Video: Obtaining Suture & Threading Needle in Spay/Neuter Surgery

This video shows step by step how to maintain sterility when obtaining suture and threading a needle in spay/neuter surgery.

How-To

Video: Spay Incision Placement

Learn about placement and length of surgical spay incisions in this helpful video.

How-To

Video: How to Perform Scrotal Neuter Surgery

A method of performing scrotal neuter surgery is demonstrated in this video.

How-To

Video: How to Use a Spay Hook in Surgery

This video shows how to use a spay hook to locate the uterus during spay surgery.

gloved hands closing an incision during surgery

Tips & FAQs

Video: Closure Techniques in Spay Surgery

This instructional video shows ways to close surgical spay incisions for female dogs and cats.

How-To

Spay/Neuter Patient Recovery How-to Video

This video shows how to assist patient recovery after spay/neuter surgery, as well as tips for cleaning and sterilizing.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Vaccine Protocols

From your spay/neuter clinic’s property to its people, this section on clinic administration can help you keep things running smoothly.

woman with cat in carrier leaves vet as woman in scrubs looks on, smiling

How-To

Spay/Neuter Video: Clinic Patient Release

This video shows how to provide verbal and written instructions about post-op pets to their owners at your spay/neuter clinic.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Post-Op Handouts

These handout samples address typical concerns after spay/neuter surgery, such as administering antibiotics or applying a warm compress.

Dogs wearing Elizabethan collars waiting to be released back to their owners

Tools & Job Aids

Video: Post-Op Instructions For Spay/Neuter Clinics

This video explains what to share with owners whose pets have undergone spay/neuter surgery, including feeding and activity level guidelines.

Tools & Job Aids

Find the Right Spay/Neuter Clinic Veterinarian

Old perceptions, salary limitations and other factors can make it tough to hire a spay/neuter clinic veterinarian. This resource can help.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Sample Job Descriptions

These sample descriptions of jobs at a spay/neuter clinic include responsibilities for each. You can customize these to meet your individual needs.

Tools & Job Aids

Find and Post Available Spay/Neuter Jobs

Find and post job openings from agencies across the United States for veterinary and shelter medical professionals.

Tools & Job Aids

Training Materials for Spay/Neuter Clinic Staff

These comprehensive sample exams and checklists can be used to make sure your new spay/neuter clinic employees get the best training possible.

Webinar

Reopening Clinics: Refreshers For Your Staff

Join the team from ASPCA Spay Neuter Alliance for a consolidated review of resources to onboard veterinary support staff for your spay-neuter clinic.

Watch the Webinar

staff member on phone headset at computer

How-To

Scheduling Spay/Neuter Appointments

These three documents can help you more effectively train staff and volunteers who are managing phone calls and spay/neuter clinic appointments.

How-To

Spay/Neuter Video: Clinic Intake

This video shows how to efficiently check a patient into your spay/neuter clinic and includes important questions to ask pet owners prior to surgery.

black and white draft of building layout

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Building & Equipment Resource Guide

Use this handy guide to help you from start to finish as you build or remodel a stationary spay/neuter clinic.

Tools & Job Aids

Budgeting for Your Spay/Neuter Clinic

These spay/neuter clinic budgeting materials include a blank worksheet, sample budget and a guide to help you.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Inventory Spreadsheets

To help you track costs throughout the year, these inventory spreadsheets are pre-filled with supplies your spay/neuter clinic is likely using.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Equipment List

Take the guesswork out of buying consumables for your spay/neuter clinic with this fillable checklist.

blond dog in car waiting for spay appointment with tongue out

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Program Community Assessment

Use this comprehensive community assessment to find out what spay/neuter services are most needed and best suited for your area.

Tools & Job Aids

Spay/Neuter Clinic Marketing Materials

These marketing guidelines and sample ads for spay/neuter clinics include print materials and web graphics in various sizes.

How-To

Running a Spay/Neuter Transport Program

Whether you’re considering a transport program or want to take yours the next mile, you’ll benefit from these step-by-step guides and video tutorials.

Webinar

Does Spay/Neuter Have a People Problem?

Spay/neuter is critical to ending animal homelessness, but are you alienating the very people you want to reach?

Watch the Webinar

Webinar

How to Increase the Impact of Your Spay/Neuter Services

Learn how the ASPCA reaches the animals at highest risk in New York City by serving the people least likely to seek out Spay/Neuter services.

Watch the Webinar

Webinar

Increasing Capacity for Spay/Neuter Before Big Events

Medical staff and shelter administrators, learn how to spay/neuter all animals prior to adoption, especially in advance of a large adoption event.

Watch the Webinar

Webinar

Reaching Pet Owners Who Aren't Looking for You

This webinar covers in-depth strategies for reaching owners of unaltered animals through community outreach programs.

Watch the Webinar

Tools & Job Aids

Special Considerations for Community Cats at S/N Clinics Guide

Get this downloadable guide that explains the specific needs of community cats in a spay/neuter clinic.

Best Practices

Spay/Neuter Clinic Veterinary Standards of Care

Guide to Controlled Substance Management in the HQHVSN Setting

Graphical Signage for Spay/Neuter Clinic Visual Learning

Video: How to Prevent Hypothermia in Spay/Neuter Patients

Video: Spay/Neuter Tattoo Application

Ergonomics for Surgeons

Spay/Neuter Clinic CPR Protocol

Tips & Tools for an Efficient Spay/Neuter Clinic

Disease Prevention

Spay/Neuter Clinic Kennel Cleaning & Disease Prevention

Spay/Neuter Video: Packs Preparation

Video: How to Clean and Maintain Spay/Neuter Equipment

Patient Intake

Spay/Neuter Clinic Intake Process How-to Videos

Behavior Assessment of Animals for Spay/Neuter Intake

Spay/Neuter Video: Clinic Kennel Cards

Spay/Neuter Clinic Paperwork Flow Video

Spay/Neuter Clinic Supplementary Intake Forms

Body Condition System

Gentle Animal Handling

ASNA Gentle Handling Techniques for Cats

Gentle Animal Handling Techniques for Clinics and Shelters During COVID-19

Animal Handling at Spay/Neuter Clinics

Patient Sedation & Surgical Prep

Anesthesia Protocols for Spay/Neuter Clinic Patients

Updates to Spay/Neuter Clinic Anesthetic Protocols

Spay/Neuter Clinic Drawing Drugs How-to Video

Spay/Neuter Clinic Drug Charts & Logs

Preparing Spay/Neuter Patients for Surgery

Spay/Neuter Clinic Medical Flow Video

Spay/Neuter Clinic Anesthesia Equipment Charts

Spay/Neuter IV Drip Rate Chart

Surgery

Spay/Neuter Surgery Video: Open Gloving Technique

Video: Draping Techniques During Spay/Neuter Surgery

New Research Shows Ovarian Pedicle Tie Safe in Feline Spay Surgery

Video: How to Perform the Strangle Knot (Modified Miller's Knot) in Spay/Neuter Surgery

Guidelines for Emergency Autotransfusion in Case of Emergency Hemoabdomen

High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter Surgical Techniques Booklet

Spay/Neuter Surgery Techniques

Video: Obtaining Suture & Threading Needle in Spay/Neuter Surgery

Video: Spay Incision Placement

Video: How to Perform Scrotal Neuter Surgery

Video: How to Use a Spay Hook in Surgery

Video: Closure Techniques in Spay Surgery

Patient Recovery & Release

Spay/Neuter Patient Recovery How-to Video

Spay/Neuter Clinic Vaccine Protocols

Spay/Neuter Video: Clinic Patient Release

Spay/Neuter Clinic Post-Op Handouts

Video: Post-Op Instructions For Spay/Neuter Clinics

Clinic Administration

Find the Right Spay/Neuter Clinic Veterinarian

Spay/Neuter Clinic Sample Job Descriptions

Find and Post Available Spay/Neuter Jobs

Training Materials for Spay/Neuter Clinic Staff

Reopening Clinics: Refreshers For Your Staff

Scheduling Spay/Neuter Appointments

Spay/Neuter Video: Clinic Intake

Spay/Neuter Clinic Building & Equipment Resource Guide

Budgeting for Your Spay/Neuter Clinic

Spay/Neuter Clinic Inventory Spreadsheets

Spay/Neuter Clinic Equipment List

Spay/Neuter Program Community Assessment

Spay/Neuter Clinic Marketing Materials

Running a Spay/Neuter Transport Program

Does Spay/Neuter Have a People Problem?

How to Increase the Impact of Your Spay/Neuter Services

Increasing Capacity for Spay/Neuter Before Big Events

Reaching Pet Owners Who Aren't Looking for You

Special Considerations for Community Cats at S/N Clinics Guide