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Why Spay/Neuter Is Required at CHEW Animal Hospital
 

CHEW Animal Hospital is a nonprofit clinic committed to reducing pet overpopulation and preventing the unnecessary euthanasia of dogs and cats. Because of this mission — and in compliance with local laws — we require all pets to be spayed or neutered in order to continue receiving services at our hospital.

Here’s why this policy is so important:
 

Health & Medical Benefits

Spaying and neutering helps protect your pet from serious health issues, including:
 

• Mammary tumors (especially in females not spayed before their first heat)

• Pyometra — a life-threatening uterine infection

• Prostate disease in males

• Testicular, ovarian, and uterine cancers

• Perineal hernias in intact males

• Hormone-driven behaviors like aggression, marking, and roaming
   

Sterilized pets tend to live longer, healthier lives and are less likely to get lost or injured.
 

1. Our Mission & Donor Expectations
   We rely on donors and rescue partners to help provide low-cost care to pets in need. These supporters expect us to do everything we can to prevent overpopulation. If we don’t uphold this standard, we risk losing the funding that keeps CHEW running.

1. The City of Dallas — along with many surrounding counties — requires that owned pets be spayed or neutered in accordance with local ordinances. CHEW collaborates with animal control and municipal agencies to support compliance with these regulations.

2. If your pet is not sterilized, your local jurisdiction may issue citations, fines, or other enforcement actions. While CHEW does not issue citations, many counties routinely monitor compliance and may contact you directly.
    

What This Policy Means for You and Your Pet
 

We understand that every pet’s situation is different. Here’s how our sterilization policy applies depending on your pet’s care:

• If your pet is scheduled for surgery at CHEW:
  They will be spayed or neutered during that procedure — unless our surgeon finds a medical reason to delay sterilization.
  Example: A dog coming in for a broken leg repair will be sterilized during that surgery unless it's unsafe to do both(determined by a CHEW Veterinarian).

• If your pet is healthy and coming in for general exam (not surgery):
  Your pet must be sterilized before their next visit, or you can schedule their next appointment specifically for sterilization. 
  Example: A healthy dog coming in for vaccines must be spayed or neutered before their next checkup or booster.

• If your pet is sick or not currently healthy enough for surgery:
  Our veterinarian will assess whether your pet is healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia. If not, we will schedule a recheck visit (usually within 2 weeks) before moving forward with sterilization.