Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

Spaying and neutering (or sterilization) are important to control the pet population and protect your pet's health and wellbeing.

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed by veterinarians. Sterilization makes pets incapable of breeding by removing their reproductive organs. It can also reduce medical and behavioural problems. We recommend having your pet sterilized on or before six months of age.

Sterilization ensures that your pet won't contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. Even a pet that lives indoors may escape and produce litters if not sterilized. Each year, millions of homeless animals are euthanized or end up in shelters due to a lack of good homes. Other benefits of sterilization:

• Decreased risk/elimination of reproductive cancers
• Decreased rates of injury and disease transmission due to roaming
• Decreased rates/elimination of hormone driven urine marking and other hormone related behaviours

Male Cat Neuter Program

Male cats must be six months of age of older to qualify for this program.

Male cat neuter application

When you submit your application in person also present:

• current income tax assessment for all family members living in the household
• proof of St. John's residency

If approved, you will have to make payment at 81 Higgins Line to secure your surgical appointment. Only those approved will be contacted. Successful applicants are contacted with the surgical appointment date, time and instructions. Surgeries are performed by a local animal hospital within a few weeks after the submission date.

The City's goal is to double the number of male cats neutered annually with no limit per household.

Female Cat Spay Program

Cats must be six months of age or older to qualify for this program.

Female cat spay application

When you submit your application also include:

• current income tax assessment for all family members living in the household
• proof of St. John's residency

If approved, you will have to make payment at 81 Higgins Line to secure your surgical appointment. Only those approved will be contacted. Successful applicants are contacted with the surgical appointment date, time and instructions. Surgeries will be performed at the Animal Care & Adoption Centre within eight weeks of payment.

Dog Spay/ Neuter

The City of St. John's does not provide a spay/neuter assistance program for dogs. Contact your veterinarian or check with your local SPCA to inquire about spaying or neutering your dog.

Licensed veterinary clinics in Newfoundland and Labrador