Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Zoomies: Ideal Age for Spay Neuter in Dogs & Cats
About this Webinar
The debate over when to recommend sterilization in pet dogs and cats has been under increased scrutiny over the past 5-10 years. With some veterinary professionals promoting pediatric spay/neuter and others recommending waiting or foregoing sterilization altogether for some breeds, how should we base our decisions and recommendations? This case-based discussion covers the critical evaluation of recent studies on the ideal age for spaying and neutering dogs and cats, specific variables that impact timing considerations, and comparisons of some of the risks and benefits of early spay/neuter surgery.
Takeaways
- Identify specific variables that impact the appropriate timing of spay/neuter surgery.
- Work through critical evaluations of recent studies on the timing of spay/neuter surgery.
- Compare risks and benefits of early age spay/neuter.
Suited For
This session is suited for anyone who is faced with the question of when to spay or neuter.
Credits
This session has been approved for 1hr of RACE credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Dr. Lauren Blackwelder
Veterinarian, ASNA Training, ASPCA Spay Neuter Alliance (ASNA)
Dr. Lauren Blackwelder is a Veterinary Training Instructor at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA). After graduating from the University of Florida in 2013, she worked in shelter medicine and high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) clinics in Virginia and Florida before joining ASNA in 2021. Dr. Blackwelder is human-animal bond certified and received a graduate certificate in shelter medicine from the University of Florida. Her role in teaching veterinarians and veterinary students efficient surgical skills contributes to improved animal welfare through HQHVSN efforts worldwide. She lives in Asheville, N.C., with her husband, two children, dog, cats, and fish.
