1. What is the clinic and what does it do?
We are the Hilton Head Humane Spay/Neuter Clinic. We are the first non-profit, high-volume/low-cost spay and neuter clinic in the region. Our goal is to provide quality procedures to individuals and organizations which reduces the euthanization and shelter intake rates.
2. Who does the clinic serve?
Our clinic serves both individuals and organizations in the following South Carolina counties: Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper.
3. What are your hours of operation?
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
4. How much does it cost?
We do not require anyone to meet specific financial qualifications but appreciate a minimum payment for services if client is able. If financial aid is needed, we can help you locate vouchers and resources. The clinic provides rabies vaccines at the time of surgery in addition to optional boosters and tests.
Rates for
Spay/Neuter:
Male Cat: $45
Female Cat: $55
Male Dog: $65
Female Dog: $75
For vaccination rates and additional service fees, visit our Rates page.
5. How are you able to provide high quality spays and neuters at such low rates?
The clinic works hard at raising donations and applying for grants to provide low-cost spay and neuter procedures. These proceeds allow us to pass savings on to our clients while providing pets with the very best medical care.
6. What is the process?
Surgeries are performed Monday through Friday. After check-in, animals are examined and administered medication to prepare them for surgery. After the procedure, pets are kept overnight for observation and released the next day after a checkup exam. Animals dropped off on Friday mornings are released the same day.
Drop-off times are:
Monday-Friday – 8am
Pickup times are:
Tuesday-Friday: 7:30 am. Pets dropped off at 8am on Friday mornings are picked up at 3pm the same day.
Due to the large volume of surgeries, drop off and pick up times are early to allow time to disinfect the kennels. The clinic does require all animals to be checked in at the appropriate time and appreciates your cooperation. To find your nearest drop-off location, please contact the clinic at (843)645-8500.
7. What do I need to do to prepare my pet to be spayed or neutered?
- The clinic does not accept animals under two pounds in weight or under two months of age.
- A pet two to four months can receive food and water all night but none the morning of surgery. Pets older than four months must receive no food after 9pm and no water after midnight.
- Cats dropped off directly at the clinic must be in carriers (one cat per carrier) and all dogs must be leashed. Animals dropped off at a local transport location must be in individual crates or carriers. •
- Please reference #6 for drop-off and pickup times.
8. What is the recovery period like?
The recovery period is 7-10 days. You need to restrict your pet’s activity and keep them indoors. You also need to watch their incision closely. If your dog/cat is licking his/her incision, you can purchase Bitter Apple or Bitter Orange (from Walmart, PetCo or PetSmart) – rub the ointment around the incision, not directly on it (it stings!). If that doesn’t work, you can purchase an E-collar (lampshade). Our charge is $10 for each of the above. We will give you a complete list of post-op instructions when you pick your pet up.
9. Why does my pet have to spend the night?
Surgeries are performed throughout the day and into the evening in no particular order. Animals are kept overnight to monitor their reaction to the medications as well as their recovery.
10. What do I do after I get my pet back?
Your pet will be returned to you with individualized discharge instructions. Your pet will still be tender near the surgery site and may be less active and mildly uncomfortable for a few days. Additional anti-inflamatory pain medication, similar to Ibuprofen, may be purchased. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
11. What are the reasons my pet may be declined for surgery?
Pets may be declined for surgery if they are over or underweight, are under any type of treatment or are being treated for a chronic disease. Pets may be declined if they have an illness including, but not limited to, upper respiratory infection, mange, skin infection, kennel cough, severe dental disease or heart murmurs.
12. What are the benefits to having a pet spayed or neutered?
In addition to helping reduce the pet overpopulation, research has shown that spayed and neutered animals show markedly less aggression, are known to acquire fewer reproductive diseases and are said to live longer and be generally healthier than those that are not. Sterilized pets are often easier to train and have a decreased tendency to roam or run away.
13. Will the clinic perform procedures on stray or feral animals?
The clinic will perform procedures on stray animals (animals that are friendly, able to be handled and are well-socialized.). Feral animals (ones that are not able to be handled or touched easily and are not well socialized) must be brought in to the clinic in a trap. Animals are examined from a safe distance before being given anesthesia. After the procedure, they are returned to their trap before awakening.
14. Can I get a booster, treatment or other veterinary service at your clinic?
The clinic does not offer any veterinarian services except at the time of the spay/neuter procedure and these are limited to rabies vaccinations, Heartworm tests and boosters for dogs and cats. Feline leukemia and FIV testing for cats is also offered. Please see #6 for rates.
For more information, or to make an appointment, please call (843) 645-8500
