Sterilisation (spay and neuter): What You Should Know

Sterilisation (spay and neuter) is highly recommended by veterinarians in Singapore and globally, but owners should make informed decisions based on their dog's health and lifestyle.

Many dog owners feel uncertain about spaying or neutering because they worry about health risks, personality changes, or possible regrets later. Misinformation and conflicting advice also make it harder to decide what’s truly best for their dog.

Is Sterilisation Necessary?

Sterilisation helps prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduces pet overpopulation and a major concern in urban environments like Singapore. Local authorities and animal welfare organisations actively recommend sterilising pets for both animal welfare and community health.

Recent public surveys indicate that around 80% of Singaporeans support pet sterilisation as an effective strategy for managing stray and owned pet populations. This strong endorsement also extends to licensing, traceability, and responsible ownership, particularly among cat and dog owners. Many respondents also recognise sterilisation as essential to animal welfare and population control, although a minority raise concerns about mandatory policies.

"Most animal welfare groups and the general public see sterilisation as a responsible practice, but challenges remain due to cost, knowledge gaps, and public education".

Overall, the perception is overwhelmingly positive, with about 8 in 10 Singaporeans viewing sterilisation favourably for both health and community reasons.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Health: Spaying (females) and neutering (males) significantly reduce risks of life-threatening conditions like pyometra, mammary gland tumours, ovarian, uterine, and testicular cancers. 

• Behaviour: Sterilised dogs are less likely to roam, mark territory, display aggression, or experience repeated heat cycles. 

• Longevity: Statistically, sterilised dogs live longer: spayed females up to 26% and neutered males about 14% longer than unsterilised peers. 

• Cost: Sterilised dogs qualify for lower annual license fees in Singapore. 

Cons:

• Some sterilised dogs may be prone to weight gain, which is manageable with proper diet and exercise. 

• Rare risks include surgical complications and, in some cases, specific breed or health-related changes in growth or metabolism. 

• A small number of owners report subtle behaviour changes in their pets, usually for the better (calmer temperament), but consult your vet for breed-specific advice. 

Impact on Lifestyle

Most dogs adapt quickly after surgery. Owners may notice their pet becomes calmer and less likely to roam. With diet adjustment and exercise, weight gain can be managed well. Overall, sterilisation usually improves household harmony and reduces stress from heat cycles or unwanted mating attempts.

Where to Go for Sterilisation

"Veterinary clinics across Singapore offer spay and neuter services. Recommended clinics include Dr Paws Vet Care, Amber Vet, and My Family Vet Clinic, among many others. SPCA Singapore also conducts sterilisation campaigns for pet owners and rescued animals".

Here is a list of reputable sterilisation clinics in Singapore with sample price ranges for spay (female) and neuter (male) procedures for dogs:

Vet Clinics and Their Prices

Clinic	Male (Neuter)	Female (Spay)	Notes
My Family Vet	$280–$570	$318–$585	Bukit Batok, popular and affordable
Vet Central	$280–$600	$360–$850	Toa Payoh, central location
Island Vet Clinic	From $450	From $480	Jurong East
Amber Vet	$610–$1,130	$710–$1,240	Starting price includes sedation, anaesthesia, IV fluids
Town Vets	Price on request	$620–$770 (<25kg)	Experienced, 3 weight bands
Point Vet Surgery	$300–$450 onwards	$350–$500 onwards	Northeast Singapore

*Prices estimate only, subject to change without notice.

Key Points

• Prices vary by dog’s size, breed, and any additional health care required. 

• Consultation, pre-surgery blood tests, and take-home medicine may not be included in listed prices. 

• Larger dogs and females (spay) typically cost more due to complexity of the procedure. 

  
  

Recommendation

Always confirm the current price with the clinic before booking, as charges may change based on the dog’s weight, health status, or specific clinic protocols. Ask about package inclusions (such as anaesthesia, medication, and post-op care) and any additional fees that may apply. For animal welfare support or low-income owners, look out for SPCA campaigns or community clinics periodically offering subsidized sterilisation.

All prices are approximate and as of 2024–2025. It's best to contact your preferred clinic for accurate and up-to-date quotations.

Best Age for Sterilisation

Sterilisation is generally recommended before puberty, often at 6 months old for most breeds, but large breeds may be safely sterilised around 12 months. Your veterinarian may suggest an optimal timeline based on your dog’s breed, growth, and overall health.

Preventing Accidental Pregnancy

Even before sterilisation, owners should keep female dogs indoors during heat and supervise outdoor activities. Dog parks may require extra attention for unsterilised pets. Always use secure leashes and supervise all interactions if your dog has not yet been sterilised.

Disclaimer:

This is an AI-generated blog for informational or illustration purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and quality, all information should be reviewed and used at your discretion. Please consult your vet for advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs.