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Spay and Neuter: Why Is It Important?

Spay and neuter goes hand-in-hand with our philosophy that every pet deserves quality medicine and a chance to live a long, healthy life. Furthermore, preventing animal pregnancies helps to reduce the number of stray dogs and cats entering animal shelters every year. Our pet hospital in Newberry, FL is committed to educating and supporting clients so they can make the best decisions for their pets' interests. When you schedule your pet's spay or neuter surgery, we want you to know that they're in caring, capable hands. Safety and pain management are major priorities and our veterinary team holds itself to the highest standard for every procedure we perform. If you ever have any questions relating to your pet's spay or neuter surgery, we're happy to provide answers.

Choosing the Right Time to Spay/Neuter Your Cat or Dog

Our veterinarians and veterinary staff believe that it is essential to tailor care to each individual patient. While we generally recommend spaying and neutering pets at 5-6 months old, this can vary. With females, we often try to schedule their surgery before their first heat cycle to decrease cancer risks but we also consider other health factors. Large breed dogs often need to wait until they are almost a year old, as they need more time to grow and develop. Additionally, if your pet has more pressing health issues, we may delay their surgery to address those first.

Improving Your Pet's Quality of Life

There are multiple benefits that spaying and neutering can provide to help dogs and cats enjoy happier, healthier lives:

Spaying

  • Prevents females from becoming pregnant.
  • Can greatly reduce roaming behaviors and loud vocalizing (especially in cats).
  • Reduces mammary and ovarian cancer risks.
  • Prevents pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus.

Neutering

  • Helps to reduce aggressiveness in males.
  • May reduce or eliminate roaming, vocalizing, and inappropriate mounting behaviors.
  • Reduces prostate and testicular cancer risks.
  • Reduces risks of developing perineal hernias and tumors.

Consult with Your Veterinarian

Surgery for your pet is not a pleasant prospect even under the best circumstances, but we can make the process easier for you. Our veterinarians and veterinary staff would love to give you more information about your pet's procedure and help you anticipate the next steps. Whether you have concerns and questions before or after their surgery, call the animal hospital at (352) 331-7050 and we will assist you however we can.

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I could not love a place of business any more than I do Jonesville Animal Hospital. Both veterinarians are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and loving towards the animals. The staff has some of the friendliest people I've met, and their professionalism is top-notch. The facility is large, clean, and modern, and the extended hours are fantastic for working professionals. Thank you for being so great to our dog, Charlie!

- Amy

Dr. Vliet and Dr. Lerman are awesome! When one of my dogs was afraid of going to the vet, they worked with me to make her visits as stress-free as possible. They go out of their way to make every visit great and the facility is clean and inviting. They know me by name when I come to buy dog food and always offer to bring it to the car for me if I have my two young daughters with me.

- Christopher

I have had the privilege of having Dr. Lerman taking care of our animals for over 20 years.  The compassion, knowledge and attention to detail displayed in the variety of situations we have experienced is truly amazing and appreciated. It is so evident that everyone associated with Jonesville Animal Hospital has a true love of providing quality care for animals.

- Bob

The staff at Jonesville Animal Hospital is always exceptional! Our beloved Border Collie, Mysti, was a patient there for 10 years, and we always felt as if they loved her as much as we did. Even after her passing they sent our family the most heart felt, loving message to console us. We think the world of the entire team! Now our new puppy, Boo, will enjoy their loving care too.

- Gina

The Doctors and Staff at Jonesville Animal Hospital are top-notch. They stayed late, performed emergency surgeries after "normal" business hours, and made sure to call and update me of their status even though it was 9PM at night. I feel like they treat each pet as if it were their own, and always have the best interest of the pet in mind.

- Heather

Jonesville Animal Hospital is simply the best! Our dogs have been patients at Jonesville Animal Hospital ever since it was first opened by Dr. Vliet and Dr. Lerman. They have cared for our whippet and our two greyhounds. The expert care, knowledge, and compassion shown to us by Drs. Vliet and Lerman and their entire team is outstanding. It is obvious that they love our dogs. 

- Rita

I have entrusted the care of my three dogs to Drs. Vliet and Lerman for about 10 years and am so pleased with their practice.  I like that I've never had to deal with a waiting room full of animals; they check every patient in quickly and get them into exam rooms to avoid any "doggy personality differences!" Their support staff always make my dogs feel welcomed, non-threatened and their favorite patients of all time! 

- Sherri

The wonderful care provided to our three cats, at Jonesville Animal Hospital, makes me wish that they were my health care providers! Dr. Vliet and Dr. Lerman have given our cats exceptional care at every visit. They've helped us navigate behavior issues and patiently saw us to a resolution. These fine vets have put together an incredible staff, all of whom adore animals! I cannot say enough about JAH, and highly recommend them!

- Shirley

I recently moved to the Gainesville area, and I was thrilled to discover Jonesville Animal Hospital. My 10-year-old Lab suffers from a few health problems and I wanted to find a top-notch local vet for her. Jonesville Animal Hospital has more than exceeded my expectations. This is by far the best service I've ever received from a veterinary hospital.

- Amy