You have questions. We have answers.
Knowing what to expect will make surgery day less stressful.
Due to COVID-19, our check-in and check-out procedures have changed. Please be patient with our staff.
Check-In: 7:30 to 8 AM | Pick-Up 4-4:30 PM (No Later than 5 PM)
Veterinary services by appointment only.
Spay and Neuter FAQ
Spay & Neuter Info
What is spaying or neutering?
Neutering is the removal of an animal's reproductive organs, either all of it or a considerably large part. "Neutering" is often used incorrectly to refer only to male animals, but the term actually applies to both sexes. The male-specific term is castration, while spaying is usually reserved for female animals. You may also hear "fixing" or "altered" in reference to neutering.
When should I get my pet neutered?
The Kalamazoo Humane Society can safely neuter kittens and puppies as early as 8 weeks old, as long as the pet also weighs a minimum of 2 lbs. KHS cannot neuter dogs over 6 years of age.
Is the low-cost spay and neuter program open to anyone?
At this time, our program is open to the public with no residential or income requirements or limitations.
Our program is intended for low-income pet owners who want to spay or neuter but cannot afford to pay the full cost of surgery at a local veterinary clinic. To keep the cost to our clients down, we used donations and grant funding to subsidize the cost of surgery. The actual cost of each surgery we perform is greater than the cost our clients pay.
Are your veterinarians volunteers?
Our veterinarians are paid and are licensed in the state of MI. Our veterinary assistants are also trained professionals and are paid staff members.
Do you offer any other veterinary services?
Basic vaccinations, microchips and limited testing services are available to add-on to a cat or dog surgery. For a complete list of our services and prices, visit our Veterinary Services list.
Can I check on my pet during the day?
Calling to check on a pet is highly discouraged. If there is something you need to know before you pick your pet up, we will call you and discuss that with you.
Check-In & Check-Out
How do I check-in on surgery day?
Due to COVID-19, our check-in procedures have recently changed.
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You have new symptoms including a dry cough unrelated to a chronic health
condition, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, diarrhea, chills or sore throat
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You have had close contact with a person that has been diagnosed with COVID-19 through a positive test result in the last 14 days
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Have you had a fever of 100.4° or greater in the last 24 hours
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Arrival time is 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM
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A mask will need to be worn for the safety of our staff. Any face covering will do. If a mask is not available, we can offer you one. Under Executive Order 2020-147, we are required to refuse service to those who arrive without a mask. This includes all occupants of your vehicle.
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Obey signs and staff in the parking lot, and to remain in your vehicle during check-in and check-out. Our lobby is closed to the public indefinitely.
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Remain in a single file line in your vehicle down our driveway. We will be working in the order you arrive from your vehicle.
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All domestic cats must arrive in a clean, hard-sided carrier. Soft, fabric carriers, or other carriers that cannot be disinfected cannot be accepted. (Cardboard cat carriers are fine; no cardboard shipping boxes or other homemade carboard containers)
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All dogs must be secured on a leash. Our staff will swap your leash with one of ours when we get your dog from your vehicle.
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Any additional services or products must be purchased before your scheduled surgery date. Extra services can be purchased by phone with a debit or credit card, or you can call to make arrangements to pay in person with cash, check or credit. Our office lobby is closed to the public. Payment by phone is preferred.
How and when do I pick up my pet after surgery?
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You have new symptoms including a dry cough unrelated to a chronic health
condition, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, diarrhea, chills or sore throat
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You have had close contact with a person that has been diagnosed with COVID-19 through a positive test result in the last 14 days
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Have you had a fever of 100.4° or greater in the last 24 hours
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Our staff will call you using the phone numbers provided when your pet is ready to be picked up. We will attempt to get your expected time of arrival. We may need to leave a message.
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All pets must be picked up no later than 5:00 PM unless we have made other arrangements with you.
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A mask will need to be worn for the safety of our staff. Any face covering will do. If a mask is not available, such as a scarf, hankercheif, or other handmade covering.
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Obey signs and staff in the parking lot, and to remain in your vehicle during check-in and check-out. Our lobby is closed to the public indefinitely.
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Remain in a single file line in your vehicle down our driveway. We will be working in the order you arrive from your vehicle.
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Our staff will review your discharge instructions and bring your pet to your vehicle, along with any paperwork and/or products you have paid for.
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If any service or product needs to be purchased that has not already been paid for, please call us with a debit or credit card to pay by phone prior to pick-up. If payment must be made with cash or check at check-out, please pay with exact change, if possible. Payment by phone is preferred.
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If desired, you can call us from your vehicle when you arrive at (269) 345-1181.
After Surgery & Recovery
What do I need to know about caring for my pet after surgery?
Most cats and dogs recover without too much intervention on your part. The most important aspect of recovery is that your pet is calm, and is not overactive. Overactivity is the number one cause of complications after surgery.
Does my pet have to wear an e-collar (cone collar) after surgery?
Before A Surgery
What if my female is in heat or pregnant on her appointment day?
Your female cat or dog can still be spayed if she is in heat, possibly pregnant, or obviously pregnant. Unless you have personal or ethical objections to moving forward with the procedure, there is no need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. In most cases, we can still safely do the spay surgery.
What if my male has one or both testicles undescended (still inside the body)?
Undescended testicles (also known as cryptorchidism) is a condition in which one or both of the testicles have not moved down into their proper place in the scrotum.
Do I need to do anything special to prepare my pet for surgery?
There are a few things you'll need to do before your pet arrives for surgery. The most important things to know are:
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No food after midnight the night before surgery; water is ok.
If your pet is less than 4 months old, a small amount of food is ok overnight.
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Your pet will need to arrive with a sturdy leash and collar or hard-sided pet carrier.
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If you apply flea product, groom or bathe your pet, do that a few days prior to your appointment. Pets will not be able to be bathed for up to 14 days after surgery.
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Have a secure and safe place for your pet to recover. A crate, spare room, or other area free of debris or hazards is important.
What if my pet is taking medication or supplements?
Drug interations can be very dangerous. Please be honest with us about any medications or supplements your pet is on. We can tell you if you'll need to postpone surgery or if it's safe to proceed.