--- title: Spay and Neuter | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/spay-and-neuter/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - Spay and neuter # Spay and neuter Spaying is surgery that removes a female pet's reproductive organs; neutering is the male equivalent, castration. Happy Paws accepts pets whether they are altered or intact, and the agreement simply asks which applies. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) 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](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/intact/), [intact dogs welcome](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/intact-dogs/) and [dog licenses in Solano and Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-licensing-solano-yolo/). ## 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. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AVMA: Spaying and neutering](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels boarding agreement (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Intact](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/intact/) - [Intact dogs welcome](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/intact-dogs/) - [Dog licenses in Solano & Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/dog-licensing-solano-yolo/) - [Boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/boarding-contract/) - [Do you take intact dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-take-intact-dogs/) ## Read next - [Brachycephalic](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/brachycephalic/) - [Double coat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/double-coat/) - [Undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/) - [Kuranda bed](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/kuranda-bed/) - [Slow feeder](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/slow-feeder/) - [Prong collar](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/prong-collar/) - [Lick mat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/lick-mat/) - [Pup cup](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/pup-cup/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Do pets need to be spayed or neutered to board? No. Happy Paws boards neutered and intact pets. ### When can a pet board after surgery? Ask your vet, and tell the kennel about the surgery. ### Does it change the price? No. Rates depend on the kennel class and number of pets. ### Can an older pet be altered? Yes. Ask your vet about the best timing for your pet.