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The primary purpose of gonadectomy is to manage canine and feline populations [1]. American animal shelters collectively report an estimated intake of 6.5 million companion animals annually [2]. Permanent sterilization prevents unplanned pregnancies that yield unwanted litters, which ultimately end up at shelters [3–7].

The majority of American veterinarians advocate for elective sterilization surgery [8]. Most American dogs and cats undergo elective OVH or castration within their first year of life. The recommended age for such surgeries often varies with breed, stage of growth, and underlying risks for potential medicals conditions, such as inherited orthopedic problems.

Gonadectomy reduces the risk for mammary neoplasia, particularly if females are spayed before the first heat cycle [6, 9–14]. Male dogs that are castrated are less likely to develop hormone‐dependent benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) [9].

Neutering also curbs unfavorable behaviors: castrated male dogs roam, mount, and urine‐mark less frequently, and male cats are less likely to spray [9, 15].