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

Spay and neuter surgeries come in two main styles: traditional “open” surgery and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Both aim to prevent reproduction and can offer health benefits, but they differ in how they’re performed, recovery, and cost.

1. Types of spay and neuter

• Traditional spay (female)

  • Single larger incision on the abdomen.

  • Usually removes ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy), though in some regions only ovaries are removed.

• Traditional neuter (male)

  • Small incision in front of or between the scrotum to remove the testicles.

• Laparoscopic spay (female)

  • Also called “keyhole spay” or laparoscopic ovariectomy.

  • 2–3 very small incisions; a camera and fine instruments are used.

  • Typically removes only the ovaries; the healthy uterus is left in place, which current evidence suggests is safe if there is no uterine disease.

• Laparoscopic neuter (male)

  • Less commonly offered than laparoscopic spay; in many clinics, male neuters are still done traditionally.
    

2. Key differences: traditional vs laparoscopic

Incision & invasiveness

• Traditional:

  • Larger single incision (often a few cm long) to open the abdomen and handle organs directly.

  • More tissue handling and suturing.

• Laparoscopic:

  • 2–3 very small incisions (often <1 cm).

  • Camera gives a magnified view; much less tissue manipulation.

Pain & recovery

• Traditional:

  • More post‑op discomfort due to the larger incision and muscle cutting.

  • Typical rest period ~7–14 days with restricted activity; some dogs look “sore” for the first few days.

• Laparoscopic:

  • Smaller wounds, generally less pain and bruising.

  • Many dogs are brighter and more mobile within 24–48 hours, and the restricted-activity period is often shorter.

Surgical risk

• Traditional:

  • Long‑established, widely practiced; suitable for complex cases (e.g. uterine infection, pyometra, enlarged uterus).

  • Slightly higher risk of wound complications such as infection, bleeding, or hernias due to the larger incision.

• Laparoscopic:

  • May reduce some complication risks (e.g. wound issues) because of small incisions and less tissue trauma.

  • Not ideal if uterine disease is suspected; the surgeon may need to convert to an open procedure.

  • Requires specialized equipment and training, so not every clinic offers it.

What’s removed

• Traditional spay: usually ovaries and uterus.

• Laparoscopic spay: usually ovaries only; uterus is inspected via camera and left if healthy.

3. Cost range (general)

Exact prices vary by country, clinic, size of dog, and whether blood tests, pain relief, or hospitalisation are included. As a rough pattern:

• Traditional spay/neuter

  • Generally the cheaper option.

  • In many markets, it might sit in the “base” price band for routine surgery.

• Laparoscopic spay

  • Usually more expensive, often in the range of about 1.5–3 times the cost of a traditional spay at the same clinic.

  • Higher fees reflect the equipment cost, longer set‑up time, and additional training.

Because pricing in Singapore (and even between clinics in the same city) can vary widely, it is best to:

• Call 2–3 clinics to compare traditional vs laparoscopic quotes for your dog’s weight.

• Check what’s included (pre‑op bloods, post‑op meds, e‑collar, follow‑up).

4. How to choose

Questions to consider with your vet:

• Does your pet have any known uterine issues (e.g. false pregnancies, cysts, suspected pyometra)?

• How important is faster recovery and smaller scars to you (e.g. very active dog, working or sport dog)?

• What’s your budget, and what options does your regular clinic offer?

• How experienced is the surgical team with laparoscopic procedures?

Recovery Time Comparison: Traditional vs. Laparoscopic Spays

Recovery from spaying varies significantly between traditional (open) surgery and laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures, primarily due to incision size, tissue trauma, and pain levels. Here's a clear breakdown based on veterinary standards.

Traditional Spay Recovery

• Timeline: 10–14 days of strict activity restriction (no running, jumping, or stairs). Full wound healing takes 2–3 weeks.

  
  

• What to expect: Larger abdominal incision (3–10 cm) causes more soreness, bruising, and swelling. Dogs often need an e-collar for 7–10 days to prevent licking. Most return to normal walks by day 14.

  
  

• Pain management: Moderate pain meds typically required for 3–5 days; some dogs seem "groggy" or reluctant to move initially.

Laparoscopic Spay Recovery

• Timeline: 2–5 days of light restriction (short leash walks only). Many dogs resume normal activity by day 3–7, with wounds fully healed in 10–14 days.

• What to expect: Tiny incisions (0.5–1 cm each) mean minimal scarring, less bruising, and quicker mobility. E-collar often not needed beyond 24–48 hours. 60–65% less post-op pain reported.

• Pain management: Usually milder meds for 1–2 days; dogs often eat and play sooner.

Comparison Table

Aspect	Traditional Spay	Laparoscopic Spay
Restriction Days	10–14 days	2–5 days
Pain Level	Moderate (longer meds)	60–65% less
E-Collar Need	7–10 days	1–2 days (often none)
Full Activity	2–3 weeks	5–7 days
Wound Healing	Visible scar possible	Tiny, cosmetic scars

Key Factors: Laparoscopic wins for active dogs or those prone to complications, but traditional suits emergencies or budget-conscious owners. Always follow your vet's post-op plan—individual recovery varies by age, size, and health.

Both traditional and laparoscopic methods are safe when done by a competent vet; the “right” choice usually depends on your pet’s health, your priorities (cost vs recovery), and what’s available locally.

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. Last update: 8 Jan 2026