Spay/neuter: Is there an optimal age?

Recent veterinary literature related to spay neuter has caused veterinarians to question traditional approaches to sterilizing dogs and cats. Some advocate delaying spay/neuter later than the traditional age of six months, while others advocate early-age or pediatric spay/neuter. Is there a single recommendation that can be made for all dogs and cats related to the age of ovariohysterectomy or castration? Examine the literature that has contributed to the confusion, and come away with a better understanding of the appropriate age to perform these surgeries and how to make spay/neuter recommendations to your clients. This course originally was presented at AVMA Virtual Convention 2020 under the title “Is there an optimal age for spay neuter: A critical analysis of spay neuter literature.”

Participants can expect to learn about:

  • Current spay/neuter literature
  • What age to perform these surgeries and how to make recommendations to clients 


Dr. Phil Bushby earned his DVM from the University of Illinois. He served on the faculty at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine for 36 years and currently holds the Marcia Lane Endowed Chair of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at the college. His focus has been spay/neuter, and for nearly 30 years he has taken junior and senior veterinary students to animal shelters in Mississippi to provide wellness care and spay/neuter services.  These services significantly increase adoption rates, provide students with exceptional surgery experiences, and sensitize students to the plight of homeless animals.  Dr. Bushby’s program was honored in 2011 as a featured display in the Smithsonian Institution’s folk-life festival in Washington D.C. His primary goal is to ensure that the next generation of veterinarians understands the problem of overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats and recognizes their role in addressing the problem.

Dr. Bushby has served on the boards of Mississippi Spay and Neuter, PetSmart Charities, and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. He was a member of the organizing committee for developing the board specialty in shelter medicine. His awards include the ASPCA’s Henry Berg Award in 2008, the AVMA’s Animal Welfare Award in 2012, and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Meritorious Service Award in 2015.