Dog or cats adopted into homes are spayed or neutered prior to the adoption contract being signed and ownership being transferred, except where medical considerations warrant delaying those procedures. Spay or neuter surgeries are performed by a licensed veterinarian or by a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and in compliance with applicable legislation, as per the Canadian Advisory Council on National Shelter Standards (2013). 

NOTE: An organization must meet this criterion in order to be eligible for the accreditation program.

Evidence:

• Description of spay and neuter practices and/or policy and protocol 
• Description of adoption practices and/or policy and protocol