Frequently Asked Questions

Pets in Stitches

Why can you do this so cheaply?

Pets in Stitches is a streamlined practice. Unlike a private veterinarian who provides a full medical service, we are focused on one single service, i.e. quality surgeries. Pets In Stitches performs surgery along with basic vaccinations and testing only. With our singular focus, we can better maintain our overhead costs, making it more affordable.
What forms of payments do you take?

We accept cash, credit cards or debit cards. We do not accept personal checks.
Do you know of assistance programs to help cover costs of my pet’s surgery?

Scratching Post CatSNIP Program – If you qualify, you will be given a voucher to bring to Pets in Stitches. This voucher does not cover the entire cost of surgery and you will be responsible for the balance due.

DREAM – For dogs and cats. This voucher does not cover the entire cost of surgery and you will be responsible for the balance due.

Humane Society of Greene County’s spay/neuter subsidy program (937) 376-3001 – Must be a resident of Greene County. If you qualify, you will be given a voucher to bring to Pets in Stitches

Miami County Animal Shelter (937) 332-6919 – A voucher is given to new owners when adopting an intact shelter pet. Please bring the voucher with you to Pets in Stitches. This voucher does not cover the entire cost of surgery and you will be responsible for the balance due.

Humane Society of Greater Dayton and Miami Valley Veterinary Medical Association Partnership Vouchers – Only available to individuals receiving governmental assistance. Proof of such assistance must be presented to the HSGD at 1661 Nicholas Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45417. The voucher must be brought to Pets in Stitches and does cover the cost of surgery. The voucher does not cover the cost of the required rabies vaccine (if pet is not current). Please call the Humane Society at 937/268-PETS (7387) for more information.

Services Offered

Do you give vaccinations?

Yes, both at the time of surgery or during our walk-in clinic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

If your pet is a surgical patient, we are required to administer a rabies vaccination if your pet does not have a current one. We will administer additional vaccinations on the day of surgery at your request.
What vaccinations are available?
  • Vaccinations for cats – rabies, feline distemper, or feline leukemia
  • Vaccinations for dogs – rabies, distemper/parvovirus or kennel cough
Do you microchip?

Yes, both at the time of surgery and during our walk-in clinics on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. for non-surgical pets.

Spaying & Neutering

Can you perform the spay surgery while they’re pregnant?

Yes. The surgery will terminate the pregnancy. There may be additional  charges if later in the pregnancy. A fee is then charged to cover the cost of the required intravenous fluids to prevent complications and the extra time the surgery entails. You can see these fees on a our Pet Services page.

Dog Services

Cat Services
How long are they pregnant?

Approximately 63 days.
How often can animals breed? When do they start?

Female cats can breed three times a year and have an average of four kittens per litter. Dogs can breed twice a year and have an average of six to ten puppies per litter. Female cats can breed as early as four months of age and dogs as early as six months of age. To avoid those accidental litters, Pets In Stitches endorses spay and neuter starting at four months of age.
How old do animals have to be to be spayed or neutered?

We recommend four to five months of age for cats and most dogs. The decision for some dogs, especially large and giant breed dogs, can be a little more complicated. Please read our blog for more information.
How soon after they have a litter can they be fixed?

For dogs, the mother has to stop lactating before we can do the spaying surgery. This is typically two weeks after the puppies stop nursing completely.

For mother cats, we can do the surgery when the kittens are at least four weeks old. Lactating cats may undergo a flank spay where the reproductive organs are removed though an incision on the side of the abdomen rather than the  underside.
Is it dangerous if they’re in heat/pregnant?

There is a higher risk if your pet is in heat or is pregnant. If you can  wait until they are no longer in heat to bring them in, that’s the best choice. If they are pregnant, schedule their appointment as soon as possible.
Should my female have a litter before she is spayed?

There is no medical evidence to justify the advantage of allowing an animal to have a litter before spaying. Spaying eliminates the possibility of developing cancers and infections associated with the reproductive organs.
What does “spay” and “neuter” mean?

Females are spayed and males are neutered. In females, the uterus and ovaries are removed through a small incision in the abdominal wall. Females are then unable to get pregnant. In males, the testicles are removed, leaving the scrotum intact. Removal of the testicles prevents production of sperm and the male will no longer be able to father puppies or kittens 30 days after the surgery. To learn more, read our blog on the Benefits of Spaying and Neutering.
When do animals start coming in heat? How long are they in heat?

They usually reach sexual maturity between four and six months. The length of heat depends on the animal.
Why should I neuter my male animal?

Males can impregnate many females, many times during the year, which contributes to the pet over-population crisis. Intact males are more likely to roam and participate in fights with other animals. Neutered males also experience a decreased risk of reproductive organ cancers, enlargements, and infections.

In some cases, for dogs, we recommend a vasectomy instead of a traditional neuter or to wait until the dog is older. You may learn more by reading our blog.
Will my pet gain weight after this surgery?

Weight gain is more a product of exercise, nutrition and aging, than spaying or neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.
Will neutering my male cat stop him from spraying?

For best results, neuter males before they reach six months of age. If a cat is currently spraying, neutering may help to curb this behavior within eight weeks after surgery.
Will spaying/neutering make my dog less protective or make my male pet feel like less of a male?

Spaying or neutering does not affect a pet’s natural instinct to protect the home and the family. Pets do not have any concept of sexual identity or ego. A pet’s personality is formed by genetics and his environment rather than by sex hormones so neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality.

Pet Surgeries

Do male cats need special litter boxes after neuter surgery?

Male cats should use Yesterdays News, which Pets In Stitches does have available for purchase, instead of litter for two days after neuter surgery. This helps prevent irritation to the surgical incisions from litter dust particles.
How long does the surgery take?

It depends on the animal and the surgery; most surgeries are completed in 20 minutes or less.
Can they drink water all night before surgery?

Yes, always keep water available to your pets. However, unless your pet is under 4 months of age, no food after midnight.
Is the procedure painful?

Surgical is performed under general anesthesia with additional pain medication administered by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. The animal is asleep during the procedure and may experience mild discomfort after surgery. Most animals return to normal activity within 24 to 72 hours. Pain medication is also offered for home use at a minimal cost.
Is the surgery safe?

With any surgical procedure, there is always risk but we take every step possible to protect your pet. Your pet will be constantly monitored in person as well as with specialized monitoring equipment during surgery. Pets In Stitches uses an anesthetic protocol that is widely accepted in our field. A licensed veterinarian perform the surgery while the pet is under full anesthesia. Your pet will stay at our clinic for the day so we will be able to observe them during recovery.
Is there pain medication available after the surgery?

Your pet will receive pain medication before and during surgery. In addition, you can purchase take-home pain medication for use after surgery which is recommended.
Should I be worried that my dog/cat is licking his/her incision?

Yes. Please bring them in so we can check their incision. We are available for rechecks Monday through Thursday or follow the emergency contact instructions on your Postoperative Care Instruction sheet.
What is the green mark on my pet?

A small tattoo is the best way to identify your pet has been spayed or neutered. It is standard procedure for sterilization surgeries.
What is the recovery period like?

The recovery period is seven to ten days. You need to restrict their activity and keep them indoors. You also want to watch their incision closely. We will give you Postoperative Care Instructions when you pick up your pet.
What should I do to keep my dog/cat from licking his/her incision?

You may purchase a post-surgery collar from us.

Come. Stay. Heal.

Request an Appointment »