Spay and Neuter
Spay and Neuter in Lakeville, MN
Spay and neuter surgery is one of the most important elective procedures you can choose for your dog or cat – for their long-term health and for preventing unplanned litters. At Lakeville Family Pet Clinic, we approach every surgery with careful pre-op screening, attentive anesthesia monitoring, and clear recovery guidance so you know exactly what to expect.
We tailor timing and recommendations to your pet's age, breed, and health status. Puppies, kittens, adults, and pets with special considerations each get an individualized plan rather than a one-size-fits-all surgery day.
We see patients from Lakeville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Rosemount, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Eagan, and surrounding Dakota County communities.
Spay And Neuter Surgery At Lakeville Family Pet Clinic
Spay (ovariohysterectomy) removes the ovaries and uterus in female pets. Neuter (castration) removes the testicles in male pets. Beyond preventing pregnancy, these procedures reduce or eliminate risks tied to reproductive disease and certain hormone-driven behaviors and illnesses.
As an AAHA-accredited clinic, our surgical process follows current standards for patient safety – from pre-anesthetic evaluation through recovery. We will walk you through fasting instructions, drop-off timing, pain control, and aftercare before surgery day so nothing feels last-minute.
As an AAHA-accredited clinic, our surgical process follows current standards for patient safety – from pre-anesthetic evaluation through recovery. We will walk you through fasting instructions, drop-off timing, pain control, and aftercare before surgery day so nothing feels last-minute.
As an AAHA-accredited clinic, our surgical process follows current standards for patient safety – from pre-anesthetic evaluation through recovery. We will walk you through fasting instructions, drop-off timing, pain control, and aftercare before surgery day so nothing feels last-minute.
What to Expect
**1. Check-In and Paperwork**
**1. Check-In and Paperwork**
Our team confirms fasting, reviews consent forms, and answers last-minute questions. You'll leave a reachable phone number for updates.
Our team confirms fasting, reviews consent forms, and answers last-minute questions. You'll leave a reachable phone number for updates.
**2. Pre-Anesthetic Evaluation**
**2. Pre-Anesthetic Evaluation**
We examine your pet and review any recommended pre-op bloodwork so we can tailor anesthesia safely.
We examine your pet and review any recommended pre-op bloodwork so we can tailor anesthesia safely.
**3. Anesthesia and Monitoring**
**3. Anesthesia and Monitoring**
Your pet is carefully anesthetized with monitoring throughout the procedure.
Your pet is carefully anesthetized with monitoring throughout the procedure.
- Prevents unplanned litters
- Reduces risk of pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection) in females
- Eliminates testicular cancer risk and reduces some prostate problems in males
- Can reduce roaming and certain hormone-driven behaviors
- Supports community pet population health
- Often simplifies long-term preventive care planning
- Intact females can develop pyometra – an emergency
- Intact pets face higher risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections
- Unplanned litters create stress, cost, and hard decisions for families
- Waiting without a plan can mean surgery at a less ideal life stage or during a medical crisis
Signs It May Be Time To Schedule
These are common signs it may be time to schedule:
- Your puppy or kitten is approaching the age recommended for your breed/species
- You've adopted an intact adult and want a surgical plan
- Your female has finished a heat cycle and you're ready to schedule (timing guidance provided at exam)
- You're seeing roaming, marking, or heat-related stress and want to discuss options
- Your veterinarian has recommended spay/neuter as part of a wellness plan
- You're a new client and want surgery and wellness care under one roof
Ready To Schedule Spay Or Neuter Surgery?
We serve Lakeville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Rosemount, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Eagan, and surrounding Dakota County communities. Getting started is easy.
Call (952) 595-6500
F.A.Q
What happens during a routine wellness exam at Lakeville Family Pet Clinic?
Every exam starts with a nose-to-tail physical assessment — your vet will check your pet’s weight, teeth, ears, eyes, coat, and overall body condition. We also review your pet’s health history, discuss any concerns you’ve noticed at home, and make recommendations for vaccinations, preventive care, and diagnostics if needed. You’ll always leave with a clear picture of where your pet’s health stands.
How often should my dog or cat have a wellness exam?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats should come in once a year. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets typically need more frequent visits — every 3 to 6 months — because their health can change quickly. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age, breed, and health history.
Is a wellness exam the same thing as an annual checkup?
Yes — a wellness exam, annual checkup, and routine physical are all the same visit. It’s a scheduled appointment focused on your pet’s overall health, not a specific illness or injury. Think of it as a regular baseline check so your vet can catch anything unusual early.
What should I bring to my pet's first exam?
If you have any previous vet records, vaccination history, or a list of current medications, bring those along. It’s also helpful to jot down any behavioral or physical changes you’ve noticed — even small things. If your pet is on a prescription diet or supplements, bring those details too. A fresh stool sample is always appreciated if you can bring one. And please make sure dogs are on a leash and cats are in a secure carrier when you arrive.
Do you see both dogs and cats?
Yes. Lakeville Family Pet Clinic provides wellness exams and full veterinary care for dogs and cats. We serve pet families in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Rosemount, Burnsville, Eagan, and the surrounding Dakota County communities.
Meet The Team
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Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Related Pet Health Resources
Explore pet health concerns or learn more about related services.
Request an appointment to discuss your pet’s care.
Having an on-site pharmacy means pain medications and other go-home prescriptions can often be filled the same day. Learn more about our veterinary pharmacy services on related service pages.