Spaying or Neutering your Dog or Cat
Pet Neutering & Spaying in Dublin 15 & Dublin 7
Affordable neutering and spaying for dogs, cats, and small pets. Cara Veterinary Group provides safe, compassionate surgical care at our Ballycoolin Hospital (Dublin 15) and Phoenix Park Gate Clinic (Dublin 7).
Join our Pet Healthcare Plan and save 20% on neutering, plus unlimited free vet visits and annual vaccinations.
Why Neuter or Spay Your Pet?
- Health benefits: Prevents uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers, reduces prostate problems, and lowers the risk of mammary tumours.
- Behavioural benefits: Neutered pets are calmer, less likely to roam, and easier to train.
- Community impact: Helps reduce Ireland’s overpopulation crisis and the destruction of unwanted animals.
Neutering is a routine, safe procedure under anaesthetic, usually completed within a day. Most pets recover fully within two weeks.
Recommended Ages for Neutering
- Small dogs (under 10kg): from 6 months
- Medium dogs (10–25kg): 9–12 months (after first heat)
- Large dogs (26–40kg): from 12 months
- Giant breeds (41kg+): 18–24 months
- Bitches: 12 weeks after first heat or 10 weeks post-whelping
- Cats: from 4.5 months
- Rabbits: females 6–9 months, males 4.5 months
- Guinea pigs: males from 4 months
About the Procedure
Females (Spaying): Removal of the uterus and ovaries (ovariohysterectomy).
Males (Castration): Removal of the testicles through a small incision.
Both surgeries are carried out under general anaesthetic by experienced vets, with pain relief provided before, during, and after surgery.
Common Myths About Neutering
- “My pet will get fat.” - Weight gain comes from overfeeding, not neutering.
- “A female should have one litter first.” - There are no proven benefits and it increases health risks.
- “It’s unnatural.” - Domesticated pets depend on us to manage their health responsibly.
- “It’s dangerous.” - Modern anaesthetics and monitoring make the procedure very safe.
Health Statistics: Why Timing Matters
- Spaying before the first heat reduces the risk of mammary cancer to 0.05%.
- After the second heat, the risk rises to 26%.
- Unspayed bitches face a high lifetime risk of pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection).
- Unneutered males have higher risks of testicular tumours and prostate disease.
How to Book
- This is a surgical procedure, so please call us on 01 885 3253 to book.
- BOOK ONLINE for non-surgical services.
Locations
Cara Veterinary Hospital — Unit 233, Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 (D15 Y384)
Cara Veterinary Clinic — 1A North Circular Road, Phoenix Park Gate, Dublin 7 (D07 HE48)