​FAQs

​Do I have to make an appointment for my pet’s surgery?

Yes. Alabama Spay/Neuter is open Monday through Thursday for surgeries. Call the us directly (205-956-0012) to make an appointment. Feral Cat appointments are limited, and only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Appointments are required. 

What do I need to when it comes to payment?​

Prepayment is required at the time you make a reservation for your pet(s.) Click to view our Prepayment Policy. 

​Who performs the surgeries?

All surgeries are performed by licensed veterinarians.

​Are the veterinarians and staff experienced?

The veterinarians and staff are licensed and trained. Alabama Spay/Neuter has performed over 125,000 surgeries and uses only the best equipment and materials. Our low-cost prices make it affordable to the public, yet our quality of care remains at the highest level.

​How old does my pet need to be in order to be spayed or neutered?

The age requirement for surgery is 3 months and 3 pounds. In the pre-operation check in, licensed veterinarian will determine if  pediatric and adult patients are good candidates for surgery.

​Why choose a pediatric spay or neuter?

Pets can get pregnant much sooner than you would think. Kittens can get pregnant as early as 4 months of age, and puppies can get pregnant at 6 months. Most health and behavioral benefits occur if altered before 6 months of age.

​Do I need to wait for my pet to go into her first heat?

There is no medical evidence that proves that it is healthier to wait until your dog or cat goes into heat. In fact, spaying them before their first heat greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancers and reproductive-related diseases. Also, if done properly, spaying and neutering at any age can eliminate or reduce the development of reproductive organ tumors.

​How frequently will my dog or cat go into heat?

Dogs go into heat about every 6 months, and it lasts about 2 weeks.
Cats seem to be in heat all the time; they generally start at 6 months of age.

​Can litter mates get pregnant?

Yes. They can create their own litters. You don’t want that to happen.

​How long after my cat has kittens or dog has puppies can she be spayed?

​A momma cat or dog may be spayed as soon as the litter is weaned, usually about 6 – 8wks after birth.

​Does my pet have to be current on its vaccines in order to have surgery?

​No. However, Alabama State Law requires that your pet must be current on its rabies vaccination. While it is recommended that other vaccines are current, they are not required. If your pet is not current on its rabies vaccination, we are required to vaccinate your pet for $16.

​Will my pet’s behavior change after surgery?

Spaying or neutering is unlikely to change temperament, basic personality, levels of playfulness and general activity. However, it can have a positive effect. Some behavioral issues, especially, sexual behaviors such as mounting, howling and the urge to roam-are reduced following surgery. Male dogs and cats will be less likely to fight. Female dogs and cats will no longer go into heat.

​Will my pet get fat?

Your pet will not get fat due to the spay or neuter surgery. Pets become overweight from improper nutrition or lack of exercise. A good diet and exercise can help keep your pet healthy.

​If only females can get pregnant, why should I fix my male?

“It takes two to tango” as they say, so males are every bit as much a part of the pet overpopulation problem as females. Plus, male pets are more likely to run away in search of a mate, which puts them at a much higher risk of disease and injury.

​Will my pet be in pain?

Your pet will be under anesthesia for the procedure, and your pet is given an injectable pain medication that manages the discomfort resulting from surgery. Recovery from the surgery is surprisingly quick. In fact, most dogs and cats are back to normal within 24-48 hours. Many of our customers elect to purchase a 3 day supply of pain medication, which is available for an additional $10. DO NOT GIVE YOUR PET ANY OVER THE COUNTER PAIN MEDICATION AS, IT CAN BE HARMFUL AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

​I see a knot/swelling at my pet’s incision. Is this normal?

Some pets are mildly allergic to suture and develop suture reactions. Suture reactions are small lumps or bumps under the incision. Both blood clots and suture reactions are common and will resolve on their own over 1-4 weeks. If your pet’s blood clot continues to grow in size OR your pet is depressed, having severe pain, and not eating, there may be a more serious problem with your incision and you should contact Alabama Spay/Neuter immediately.

​Help, my pet has not had a bowel movement in three days!

Relax. This is normal. Because your pet was not allowed to eat food the morning of the procedure and only fed half of a normal meal after surgery, your pet’s bowels are empty. In addition, general anesthesia will often slow down the motility of the gastrointestinal tract for 24-48 hours. It may take a few days for your pet’s intestines to “fill back up”, regain normal speed and start making fecal matter again. If your pet is straining to defecate and has been eating full meals for the last 3 days, it is time to contact your vet.

​Is it normal for my pet to vomit after surgery?

Yes. General anesthesia may make your pet feel nauseous the first 24 hours after surgery. It is not uncommon for them to vomit after their first meal after surgery. Don’t worry, just don’t feed your pet again and try again in the morning. If vomiting persists the day after surgery, please give us a call.

​My pet is very sleepy, is this normal?

Yes. It is normal for your pet to be sleepy, less coordinated and may even drool for 12-24 hours after surgery. Your pet should be responsive and able to walk. Most pets will want to sleep when they get home. It may take a full 24 hours for your pet to get all anesthesia out of the body. Some mild discomfort is expected and can be normal. Your pet should be fully alert 24 hours after surgery (some pets will continue to act sore or stiff for 2-3 days).

​Is it ok for my pet to lick or chew the incision?

No. If your pet is licking or chewing at the incision he or she may need an Elizabethan or E-collar to wear to prevent this. Excessive licking or chewing may open the surgical site. E-collars are optional and may be purchased at Alabama Spay/Neuter for $15. They are also available at big box pet stores such as PetSmart and PetCo. If your pet likes to lick or chew excessively at the surgery site, the E-collar should be worn AT ALL TIMES for 7-10 days.

​My dog was neutered but it still looks like he still has testicles! What gives?

Occasionally we see this when blood pools into the scrotum making it look like your dog was never neutered. The blood will clot and the issue will resolve itself. Your dog also may have some bruising around the scrotum and incision associated with this swelling. If the swelling continues, please give us a call.

​What if my dog needs a muzzle?

If your pet needs a muzzle, make sure to put the muzzle on your dog before entering Alabama Spay/Neuter.

​When do I call my surgeon?

​Anytime your pet is extremely lethargic, has pale gums, profuse vomiting and diarrhea, bright red blood draining from the incision, or the inability to urinate, you should contact us immediately.

Special notes of interest:

-If your pet was in heat, she may continue to attract males or have vaginal discharge for the next 10-14 days after surgery. You need to keep her away from un-neutered males for 10-14 days.

-If your pet was a mature male cat, it may take up to 12 weeks for the strong odor associated with Tom Cat urine to resolve.

​Hours of Operation

 Monday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday 6:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm*
*No surgeries on Fridays except the following dates Sept 11, Nov 6, and Dec 4. We will be open 6:30 am - 5 pm on these Fridays.