Spaying and neutering are both surgical procedures used to alter an animal’s reproductive organs. The main difference between spaying and neutering is that spaying refers to the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female animal, while neutering refers to the surgical removal of the testes of a male animal. Spaying and neutering are usually performed on pets to help control the population of animals and to reduce unwanted behaviors such as territorial scent marking, roaming, and aggression.

Spaying a female animal involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. This procedure is typically done under general anesthesia and is considered a major, but routine, surgery. The procedure is permanent and prevents the animal from being able to reproduce. Neutering a male animal involves the surgical removal of the testes. This procedure can be done under general or local anesthesia and is considered a minor surgery. Again, the procedure is permanent and prevents the animal from being able to reproduce.