Pet Castration
For Dogs, Cats, Rabbits · Surgeries & treatments
Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles, done under general anaesthetic. It prevents unwanted litters, removes the risk of testicular cancer, and settles some hormone-driven behaviour such as roaming and marking.
About Castration in pets
Castration is a routine operation that we do very regularly, but it is still surgery under general anaesthetic and deserves a proper conversation first.
What it does and does not change
- It prevents unwanted litters – definitively.
- It removes the risk of testicular cancer and reduces some prostate problems.
- It usually reduces roaming, urine marking and some male-to-male aggression.
- In cats it dramatically cuts fighting, spraying and the injuries and infections that come with wandering.
- It does not fix fear-based or learned behaviour. If the problem is anxiety, castration will not solve it and can occasionally make it worse. Talk to us first.
- Appetite often increases afterwards, so food usually needs adjusting to avoid weight gain.
When to do it
Timing depends on species, breed and size – and for larger dogs there is a real argument for waiting until they are more mature. There is no single right answer, and we would rather discuss your pet than quote a blanket age.
What happens on the day
Your pet comes in starved from the night before, has a pre-operative check, goes home the same day. Cats are usually back to normal within a day or two; dogs need rest and lead-only walks for a week or so, and a check-up afterwards.
What is included in the price
Before anything goes ahead you get a written estimate that says plainly, for each of the following, whether it is included in the quoted price or charged separately:
- The pre-operative examination on the day.
- A pre-anaesthetic blood test.
- Intravenous fluids during the procedure.
- Pain relief given during the procedure.
- Pain relief to take home afterwards.
- Post-operative check-up appointments.
- A protective collar or body suit to stop your pet interfering with the wound.
If anything unexpected comes up during the procedure, we ring you before going any further.
What it costs
The price is on our price list, by species and – for dogs – by weight, because the dose of anaesthetic and the time involved both depend on size. If you are weighing this up alongside spaying for another pet, both are published in full.