Spay & Neuter Policy Update (Effective April 1, 2026)

Saskatoon Dog Rescue is updating its spay and neuter guidelines, effective April 1, 2026. These changes apply to both dogs in our care and all current and future SDR adopters.

For adopters (past and future)

When you adopt a puppy through SDR (one who was too young to be fixed at the time of adoption), your adoption fee includes a $200 spay/neuter deposit. We include this deposit to encourage all adopters to spay or neuter their pup.

We've extended the deadline to complete the procedure to 12 months of age (up from eight months). We recognize that the ideal age for spaying or neutering can vary depending on your dog's size, breed, and overall health, and we want to give you the flexibility to make the right call for your pup in consultation with your veterinarian.

Once the procedure is complete, proof of surgery must be submitted within 60 days using the Spay/Neuter Deposit Form, available on our website here.

If you adopted prior to April 1, 2026, this update applies to you too. Your deadline to spay or neuter your dog and remain eligible for your deposit refund has been extended to 12 months of age.

For dogs in our care

All age-eligible dogs will continue to be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. We now follow a tailored schedule based on sex.

For females, we target approximately six months of age, late enough to support healthy development, but before the first heat cycle, which significantly reduces the risk of certain cancers and other health complications. Timing may vary slightly depending on the dog's size and breed.

For males, we target approximately nine months of age to allow for more complete maturation before the procedure.

Spaying and neutering remains a core part of our mission. Every dog that leaves SDR altered is one fewer contributing to overpopulation, and that matters to us deeply.