Frequently Asked Questions

Spaying is performed on female animals and involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. Neutering is performed on male animals and involves the removal of the testicles. Both procedures permanently prevent reproduction and provide significant long-term health and behavioral benefits.

Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering dogs and cats between 4 and 6 months of age and before the first heat cycle for females and hormone-driven behaviors become established in males. Larger dog breeds may benefit from waiting until 12–18 months. Your HCAL veterinarian will advise based on your pet’s breed and individual health.

As with any procedure requiring anesthesia, there are inherent risks, and those risks vary somewhat between spay and neuter surgeries. Spay surgeries, being more involved, carry a somewhat higher risk profile than neuters. That said, both are among the most routinely performed procedures in veterinary medicine, and serious complications in healthy animals are rare. HCAL performs a pre-surgical assessment on every patient to identify risk factors before proceeding. If you have specific concerns about your pet’s health, please raise them with our team before the procedure date.

Before every procedure, our team performs a brief pre-operative check to identify any conditions that could affect surgical safety. This includes checking for signs of heat cycles, pregnancy, cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), and hernias. Please be aware that female dogs who are pregnant or currently in heat will be rescheduled for a later date. Male dogs with cryptorchidism may also be turned away if surgery is not medically advised for their situation. If you are unsure whether your pet may be affected by any of these conditions, please call us before your appointment day.

Pain medication is provided on a case-by-case basis, which is determined by on our veterinary team’s assessment. It is not a standard part of every discharge. Written surgical aftercare instructions are sent home with every patient. Please read through the instructions carefully, as they cover what is normal to expect and what signs warrant a call to our team.

We recommend that all adult male dogs go home with an e-collar to protect the surgical site. E-collars are available for all patients for an additional $6.00. If your pet is distressed by the standard hard cone, speak with our team about alternatives.  The goal with any collar or recovery suit is to ensure that your pet cannot reach the incision site.

Generally, no. Most clean surgical incisions heal best when left dry and undisturbed. In some cases, our team may suggest a specific topical product if necessary. Do not apply hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or human antibiotic ointments to your pet’s incision unless directed by our veterinarian. These products can damage healing tissue and are often unsafe if licked.

Contact HCAL directly and we will take a look. If you are concerned during non-business hours and the situation appears urgent, we recommend visiting a full-service veterinary clinic or emergency animal hospital. Signs that warrant immediate attention include excessive swelling, discharge with odor, opening of the wound, or your pet showing signs of significant pain or lethargy.

HCAL offers some of the most affordable spay and neuter pricing in the Hill Country and Central Texas region. Local private veterinary practices typically charge between $200 and $500 or more for the same procedures.  In general, our rates are based on your pet’s species, sex, and weight.

HCAL does not currently offer a formal voucher program. Our pricing is structured to be as accessible as possible for Hill Country and Central Texas pet owners. If cost is a concern, please speak with our team directly. Our goal is to find a path forward for every pet that needs care.

HCAL operates on an appointment basis for all spay and neuter procedures. This allows our team to prepare properly for your pet and ensure every patient receives a thorough pre-surgical assessment. You can schedule your appointment quickly and easily online.

HCAL currently operates from our Boerne facility and does not currently offer a mobile clinic or virtual consultations for surgical procedures. Visit our resource blog for general pet care tips, recovery guidance, and updates.

We primarily serve the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas region. While we are based in Boerne, we regularly see pets from Comfort, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, and the broader surrounding area. If you are unsure whether we serve your community, give us a call.