Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
One of the most important health decisions a pet owner will make is to have their pet spayed or neutered. When a pet is spayed (females) or neutered (males), certain reproductive organs are surgically removed under anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian. There are many health and behavioral benefits to having your pet spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering pets:
- Prevents some infections in female dogs and cats
- Reduces the risk of certain kinds of cancers in male and female pets
- Reduces some territorial and marking behaviors
Spaying or neutering also helps to reduce pet overpopulation. In NYC, owners who allow their cats to roam outside (which is not recommended) must have their cats spayed or neutered.
Pet owners may find veterinary services can be expensive, but NYC and other pet organizations offer some free or low-cost clinics and programs where pet owners can access services on a budget.
NYC Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics
NYC Department of Health, using funds from the Animal Population Control Program, provides contracted free and low cost spay and neuter services through the ASPCA.
- ASPCA Veterinary and Spay/Neuter Services in New York City: Offers free or low-cost spay or neuter surgery for dogs and cats through mobile vans and clinics in designated zip codes
See below for some other resources for low- or lower-cost spay and neuter surgery and veterinary care. The NYC Health Department does not specfically endorse these organizations. Check with the clinics directly for the most up-to-date information.
- Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition
- Flatbush Veterinary Clinic
- Friends of Animals Spay and Neuter certificates: Provides certificates that can be used at participating clinics
- Humane Society of New York Animal Clinic
- Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals: Provides information about pet health resources, including spay and neuter services
- The Toby Project
An organization that provides low-cost spay and neuter surgeries may ask to be included on this list. Email veterinaryhealth@health.nyc.gov and provide contact information for the organization representative and website.