Frequently Asked Questions

ANYONE can use our clinics for low cost spay/neuter and vaccination/wellness services.

Expanded healthcare services are limited to income qualified individuals and families and partner animal welfare organizations.

TLC is a low cost veterinary clinic for cats and dogs.  We offer low cost vaccinations, wellness services and spay/neuter services in Spring, Tomball and Humble, Texas.

Did you know that proceeds from TLC's vaccination and wellness services fund our other lifesaving programs like pet adoptions and our pet food pantry?

TLC is very transparent.  All of our pricing is outlined very clearly on our website.  There are no hidden fees. We have a 3% cash discount. Add 3% if paying by any other payment method. Visit the Services/Pricing section of our website or click the links below for a full list of pricing and services.

Spay/Neuter

Vaccination, Preventatives, and Wellness

Most wellness/vaccination services can be performed on the same day as spay/neuter surgery.  A basic wellness exam is included in surgery prices, so you will not have to pay for an additional vet exam if you decide to add on additional services with spay/neuter surgery.

Booking is simple.  Just click this link to Book Online and schedule your appointment.  You can also call (281) 528-1238 during normal business hours or email Reggie@TexasLitterControl.org for help. 

Most vaccinations and other wellness services like heartworm testing can be performed at the time of surgery.  We do not require pets to be current on vaccines, but we HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.  Please understand if your pet is not current on core vaccines, you run the risk of your pet getting sick.  It can take up to 2 weeks for vaccines to be effective.  TLC will not be responsible for illnesses or fleas contracted due to your pet not being vaccinated or flea treated.  Please remember, your pet will be in close proximity to 30-40 animals.  Kennels are thoroughly cleaned daily, but we cannot control airborne contagions.

All pets over 3 months old are required by the State of Texas to be current on rabies.  If your pet is not current on rabies, you will be required to vaccinate your pet.  You must bring the rabies CERTIFICATE at check-in.  Rabies tags are not valid proof of rabies and will not be accepted.

You can access your vet records by downloading the PetCare by DaySmart Vet App from the Google Playstore or the Apple App store or by visiting this link:  https://petcare.vettersoftware.com/

You can also email Reggie@TexasLitterControl.org or text/call 281-528-1238.

You can order through our online pharmacy by clicking here.  You can also walk in during normal wellness hours.

TLC often times has grant funding or works with other community partners to provide some even further reduced cost or free services.  Click here to visit our Voucher page for more information.

YOU SHOULD WAIT TO SPAY YOUR DOG UNTIL 30 DAYS AFTER THE LAST DAY OF BLEEDING.

Pregnancy, heat and some diseases significantly increase surgical risk.  Texas Litter Control highly recommends waiting until your dog is not in heat to get her spayed due to the increased risk of complications.  TLC will not perform surgery on dogs who are actively bleeding.

• Kittens must weigh 3lbs and be at least 12 weeks of age.
• Puppies must weigh 6lbs and must be at least 5 months of age.  Some smaller breeds may be done under 6lbs.  Please call or email (281) 528-1238 Reggie@TexasLitterControl.org for more information.
• TLC does not provide services to aggressive dogs.
• TLC does not perform pre-op bloodwork before surgery.
• We do not perform high risk spay/neuter surgeries.

• Pets 6 years of age and older 
• Pregnant Pets
• Heartworm Disease or High Positive for Heartworms – Heartworm Disease is different than heartworm positive.  We do spay/neuter heartworm positive dogs.  If you have questions about whether your pet should receive surgery, please email or call.
• Pets with Severe Mange or Skin Infections
• Pets Extremely Under Weight
• Pets Extremely Over Weight
• Pets with Heart Problems
• Pets with an Upper Respiratory Illness
• Pets with pre-existing conditions (ex. Seizures, diabetes, anesthesia sensitivity)
• Pets with previous abdominal surgery such as c-section
• Pets with cleft palate

Texas Litter Control is a Texas Non Profit Corporation and 501c3 public charity.  We charge what we need to in order to stay open.  Our vaccination and wellness services support our life-saving efforts within your community.

TLC exists to aid the shelters in lowering the number of animals entering our local shelters.  All of our programs are geared toward this one vision... No more killing healthy, adoptable animals in our shelters.

When you use TLC for services you are supporting HelpMeKeepMyPet.com, TLCEducationStation.org, Red Cross Fire Victims with Pets, our Adoption Program, our Pet Food Pantry and much more!  TLC's life-saving efforts would not exist without your support!

• DOBERMANS can have Von Willebrand which is a bleeding disorder which can prevent them from clotting properly.  This can cause post op complications including but not limited to excessive scrotal swelling and post surgical bleeding.  We recommend your dog be tested prior to surgery.
• We recommend GREAT DANE owners discuss with their full service veterinarian what is best for their dog.  Some veterinarians recommend stomach tacking at the time of surgical sterilization.  Please visit with your veterinarian before booking you appointment. This service is not available at TLC.
• SHORT NOSED DOGS like English Bull Dogs, French Bull Dogs, Pugs, etc. can have inflammation of the airway caused by intubation because of their short face.  The most common post op complication is pneumonia due to aspiration.
• Dogs with the MDR1 GENE most common in Australian Shepherds and Collie Breeds have a sensitivity to some anesthesia protocols.  If you own one of these breeds, you should have it tested prior to surgery.  This service is not available at TLC.

Studies show that early spay/neuter offers benefits like easier, faster, and less expensive surgeries, quicker recovery, and reduced risk of certain cancers and reproductive diseases in both dogs and cats, while also contributing to population control.  Most veterinarians agree between 4 to 6 months maximizes health benefits and minimizes behavioral changes.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the benefits:

Benefits for Cats:

• Reduced risk of mammary tumors: Spaying before the first heat significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, which are common in intact female cats. 
• Elimination of unwanted litters: Pediatric spay prevents unplanned pregnancies, as cats can become pregnant as young as 4 months old. 
• Reduced risk of reproductive diseases: Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and ovarian cancer, and reduces the risk of mammary tumors. 
• Easier, faster, and less expensive surgery: Pediatric spay/neuter procedures are generally easier, faster, and less expensive than those performed on adult cats. 
• Quicker recovery: Kittens recover more quickly from surgery than adult cats. 
• Improved behavior: Neutering male cats can reduce aggression and roaming behaviors. 
• Reduced risk of certain cancers: Spaying before a year of age is reported  to have an 86% reduction in risk of developing mammary neoplasia compared to intact cats. 

Benefits for Dogs:

• Reduced risk of mammary tumors: Spaying before the first heat significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, which are common in intact female dogs. 
• Elimination of unwanted litters: Pediatric spay prevents unplanned pregnancies. 
• Reduced risk of reproductive diseases: Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and ovarian cancer. 
• Easier, faster, and less expensive surgery: Pediatric spay/neuter procedures are generally easier, faster, and less expensive than those performed on adult dogs. 
• Quicker recovery: Puppies recover more quickly from surgery than adult dogs. 
• Reduced risk of testicular cancer and prostate cancer: Neutering male dogs eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate cancer. 
• Reduced roaming and fighting: Neutering male dogs can reduce roaming and fighting behaviors. 
• Improved behavior: Neutering male dogs can reduce aggression and roaming behaviors. 

There were some early thoughts that early spay/neuter stunts growth, but those theories have been disproven.

Some increased risk of joint disorders is possible, however there are more health benefits than risks.  It is up to the owner to research what is best for your pet.  This article is very helpful in comparing risks vs rewards.

Dealing with Concerns About Pediatric Spay/Neuter

Here are some other helpful articles:

Pediatric Neutering: Safe, Efficient, and Humane

An overview of pediatric spay and neuter benefits and techniques

Current perspectives on the optimal age to spay/castrate dogs and cats