Dogs:

Guidelines for dogs in our care. This is based on the RSPCA policy to prevent unnecessary breeding, but also taking into account the latest studies on the effects of neutering and spaying on health and behaviour.

• Six months in bitches who are likely to be over 20kg when full grown
• Four months in bitches under 20kg when full grown
• Seven months in male dogs.

For owned animals (animals already in the care of an owner) It is important to discuss with your vet and a qualified behaviourist, when the most appropriate time for neutering would be for each individual.

There is also evidence to suggest that for anxious or fearful male dogs neutering may make their behaviour worse. For these dogs it may be more appropriate for them to be rehomed before being neutered. This would only take place after a discussion with a behaviourist and/or vet.

Cats:

The RSPCA spends considerable time and funds dealing with the welfare consequences of unintended or irresponsible breeding. Every summer we deal with a serious crisis of kitten and cat overpopulation and serious related welfare concerns. Neutering is therefore a crucial activity for the Society. Cats will be rehomed neutered in all but exceptional circumstances.

Follow this link for more guidance: Kitten Neutering Database (cat-kind.org.uk)

Assuming there are no contraindications due to health, cats should be neutered from:

• Eight weeks old for cats in RSPCA care.
• Four months old for owned cats.

Guinea pigs:

Neutering is vital to counteract the overpopulation of unwanted Guinea pigs. Neutering allows guinea pigs, which are social animals, to be kept in friendly pairs or groups.

It is expected that all Male guinea pigs over the age of four months should be castrated before being rehomed unless there is a documented medical reason. There is not an expectation that female guinea pigs should be neutered unless there is a medical indication (for example, ovarian cysts).