Pre-Surgery Instructions

Thank you for choosing the Seattle Animal Shelter's Spay and Neuter Clinic. The clinic performs surgeries by appointment only, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

Admitting hours: 9-10 a.m.
Discharge hours: 4-5 p.m.
Closed to the public: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The clinic is located at 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle, at the north end of the building on the upper level. We have a parking lot near the clinic's entrance off of 15th Avenue West with four regular spaces and one accessible space.

Animals must be in good health. If your pet is showing any signs of illness we may decline to do surgery at that time, ask you to see your regular veterinarian, and reschedule your appointment.

What you will need

  • You will receive an e-mail containing a consent form after confirming your appointment. Please fill this out before your appointment to prevent delays in the check-in process.
  • Your pet's health records, in particular any pre-anesthetic lab work you have completed (recommended, not required).
  • Record of previous rabies vaccine if you would like a three-year certificate with a rabies vaccine given at the time of surgery.
  • Payment, due at surgery discharge/checkout.

Pre-surgery instructions

  • Please stop giving food or treats after 10 p.m. the night before surgery, and no breakfast or treats the day of surgery. Water is okay.
  • Cats must be in a pet carrier, either a plastic kennel type or a cardboard pet carrier. For the safety of our staff and the pets in our care, please do not use regular cardboard boxes or cat leashes.
  • If you have more than one cat, each should be in its own carrier.
  • Carriers should be labeled with the animal's name and your last name; use masking or duct tape if you want to avoid marking directly on the carrier.

  • Please stop giving food or treats after 10 p.m. the night before surgery, and no breakfast or treats the day of surgery. Water is okay.
  • Please walk your dog before dropping them off so that they have time to pee and poop before arriving.
  • Please leave your dog in your vehicle until you have checked in and completed check-in. Please make sure your consent form is filled out before your appointment to prevent delays in the check-in process. We will have paper copies of the consent form available if you are unable to fill it out ahead of time.
  • Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier when they enter the clinic. Carriers should be labeled with the animal's name and your last name; use masking or duct tape if you want to avoid marking directly on the carrier.

We strive for a low-stress clinic visit for your pet whenever possible. If your dog shows signs of aggression or is very fearful during admission, you may be asked to stay in the clinic with your dog until we can administer pre-anesthesia medication and it can be safely sedated and placed in a kennel.

  • Do not withhold food from rabbits before surgery. Continue food and water as usual.
  • Bring a small amount of hay and an assortment of your rabbit's favorite fresh greens and veggies, which will be given after surgery. Help us keep your pet's food separate by labeling the container.
  • If you have more than one rabbit, each should be in its own carrier.
  • Carriers should be labeled with the animal's name and your last name; use masking or duct tape if you want to avoid marking directly on the carrier.