The two words are often used together, and sometimes neutering covers both sexes.
What the words mean
The AVMA describes the usual spay as an ovariohysterectomy, in which the ovaries and uterus are removed from a female dog or cat, ending her heat cycle. The usual neuter is an orchiectomy, in which the testes are removed from a male. Many vets also use neutering to cover both sexes. Altered, fixed and sterilized are other ways to say the same.
On the forms
The boarding agreement asks for each pet's sex and whether the pet is intact, spayed or neutered. Licensing offices ask the same, since altered pets pay lower fees in Solano and Yolo counties. Your vet's record will show the date of the surgery. You do not need to send it to board, but keep it for licensing.
Timing and boarding
A recently altered pet is healing. Ask your vet when it is safe to board, since activity limits and incision checks matter after surgery. Tell the kennel about any recent surgery on the pet information page, and bring medications with a schedule. The kennel gives medications at no extra charge.
Related
See intact, intact dogs welcome and dog licenses in Solano and Yolo counties.
A few related terms
Altered is the word licensing offices use for a spayed or neutered pet. Sterilized and fixed are everyday words for the same thing. Pediatric spay and neuter means the surgery on a puppy or kitten at a very young age, and a late spay means the surgery on an older pet. None of these words changes the boarding rules, but it helps to use the one your vet's record uses.
If your pet had surgery in the last few weeks, tell the staff, give the surgery date and bring any medication and a note from your vet about activity.
Records to keep
Ask your vet for a copy of the surgery record. It can be used for dog licensing, for pet insurance and for some housing agreements. You do not need it to board, but keep it with your vaccine papers so everything is in one place.