Spay & Neuter

Spaying and Neutering in Dubai

Spaying and neutering are among the most impactful decisions you will make for your pet's long-term health. Beyond preventing unwanted pregnancies, these procedures offer significant medical benefits that are well-supported by decades of clinical evidence.

Book an appointment What's involved

Spaying before first heat reduces mammary tumour risk by up to 99%

Eliminates risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection

Recommended from 5 to 6 months in most cats and small breed dogs

When to come in

Book an appointment if any of the following apply to your pet.

Your pet is approaching 5 to 6 months of age
Before the first heat cycle in female dogs and cats
To prevent unwanted litters
To reduce hormonally-driven behaviour or aggression
Before boarding at facilities that require it
On veterinary recommendation for medical reasons

What it covers

What spaying and neutering involves

Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) in female dogs and cats involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus under general anaesthesia. Neutering (castration) in male dogs and cats involves the surgical removal of the testicles. Both are day procedures in most cases, with patients going home the same day.

Spaying female dogs before their first heat cycle reduces the lifetime risk of mammary (breast) tumours by approximately 99 percent. Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and significantly reduces the risk of prostate problems in male dogs. In female cats, spaying eliminates the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection that is unfortunately common in intact cats.

When to consider spaying or neutering

• Most breeds: from 5 to 6 months of age for cats, 5 to 9 months for small and medium breed dogs

• Before the first heat cycle in female dogs and cats where possible

• Large and giant breed dogs: your vet will advise on timing based on growth and breed-specific risk

• To prevent unwanted litters

• On veterinary recommendation for medical reasons such as uterine disease or hormonal conditions

• Before boarding or kennelling at facilities that require it

What to expect

Before your appointment

We will ask you to bring your pet in for a pre-surgical consultation if they have not been recently examined. Pre-anaesthetic bloodwork is required for all pets undergoing surgery at Aura. Your pet must be fasted from the evening before the procedure, with water available until the morning of surgery. During the procedure Both spay and neuter procedures are performed under general anaesthesia with continuous monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and body temperature. IV fluids are used throughout. Pain management is administered before, during, and after the procedure.

After your appointment

Most pets are collected the same afternoon. You will be given a discharge summary, a recovery collar to prevent them interfering with the wound, and clear instructions on activity restriction for the following 10 to 14 days. A post-operative check is scheduled at 7 to 10 days to assess healing.

Our approach

We use absorbable internal sutures and subcuticular skin closure techniques that produce neat, well-healing incisions with minimal scarring. We do not discharge pets until we are fully satisfied with their recovery from anaesthesia. Our post-operative monitoring period in clinic is unhurried. Fear Free principles extend into recovery: we keep the environment quiet, minimise handling until the patient is fully comfortable, and use warm bedding and appropriate pain relief so that the first sensations your pet has as they wake are of comfort rather than distress.

We contact you the following day to check how your pet has recovered at home.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should I spay or neuter my dog?

For most small and medium breed dogs, we recommend neutering between 5 and 9 months of age. For large breeds (over 25kg), there is evidence that waiting until 12 to 18 months may preserve certain aspects of musculoskeletal development. We individualise this recommendation based on your dog's breed, sex, and individual circumstances.

Will neutering change my cat's personality?

Neutering reduces or eliminates specific hormonally-driven behaviours including roaming, urine spraying in male cats, and vocalisation during heat cycles in females. Your cat's fundamental character, their attachment to you, their playfulness, and their individual quirks, is not altered by neutering. The change owners most often notice is the absence of behaviours driven by reproductive hormones, which most find a welcome improvement.

Is spaying safe for a small breed dog?

Yes. Anaesthetic and surgical techniques are adapted to the size and weight of each patient. Small breed dogs receive appropriately dosed anaesthetic agents, smaller IV lines, and targeted warming during surgery. Our team is experienced in working with very small animals and takes appropriate precautions throughout.

How long does recovery take after spaying?

Most female dogs are back to normal activity levels within 10 to 14 days. Full internal healing takes four to six weeks, which is why we recommend limiting vigorous exercise and swimming during this period. Cats typically recover faster, often appearing back to normal within 5 to 7 days.

Are there any medical reasons not to neuter a pet?

In most cases, the benefits of spaying and neutering outweigh the risks significantly. However, there are specific situations, including certain breed-specific health profiles, very young age, active illness, or known clotting disorders, where the timing or approach may need adjusting. This is why a pre-surgical consultation is always part of our process.