The Day I Got My Freedom Collar

Why Sterilisation Is the Kindest, Smartest Thing You Can Do for Your Pet

Hi. I’m Bella.

I’m a rescue dog from somewhere outside Cape Town. I don’t remember much about the place I came from—just that it smelled like metal, and my water bowl was always empty. I was used to make puppies. A lot of them. My job was to be quiet, stay put, and give birth over and over again.

That all changed the day a van pulled up and a kind woman knelt down and said, “Come here, girl.” She gave me a biscuit, and later that week, I got something even better. I got my freedom collar.

No, it’s not an actual collar—it’s what my foster mom called it when I came back from the vet after my sterilisation surgery. She said, “You’re free now, girl. No more babies. Just belly rubs.”

This article is for every dog and cat like me. And every human who hasn’t yet made the choice to sterilise. Because the truth is, sterilisation isn’t just a medical procedure—it’s a turning point.

What Is Sterilisation, Really?

Sterilisation is the general term for spaying (in females) or neutering (in males). In simple terms, it means surgically removing the reproductive organs so your pet can no longer breed.

But what it really means is freedom—from stress, from risk, and from contributing to the heartbreaking cycle of overpopulation. It’s not about taking something away. It’s about giving your pet a better, safer, longer life.

Sterilisation marks the start of a new chapter—one where your pet is no longer driven by instinct or exposed to unnecessary health risks. It opens the door to calmer behaviour, deeper bonding, and the chance for every animal to be valued for who they are, not what they can produce.

The Emotional Side: What Freedom Really Feels Like

Back to me—Bella. Life before my freedom collar was all hormones, hunger, and hollow days. I never got to raise a pup. I watched them be taken away, one by one. And because I wasn’t sterilised, I had no say in any of it.

Sterilisation didn’t make me less of a dog. It made me more of one. I got to be playful without pain. I got to nap without nursing. I got to sniff the air without worrying if some scruffy mutt was going to corner me at the gate.

Sterilisation gives pets like me a new kind of identity—one where we aren’t just survivors or statistics. We’re companions. Family. Individuals.

Studies show that sterilisation can reduce hormone-driven behaviours like restlessness, roaming, and territorial aggression—giving pets a calmer, more relaxed way of living and relating to their families. - Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB. Florida Veterinary Behaviour Service, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

The Health Benefits: Especially for the Ladies

Let’s start with the facts—because they're important, especially for female animals.

According to the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), sterilising a female dog or cat before her first heat can reduce her risk of mammary (breast) cancer by up to 90%. That’s huge. It also completely eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections like pyometra, which are common in older, unspayed females and often fatal if untreated.

Sterilised females also don’t go into heat. No mess, no behavioural swings, no unwanted male visitors trying to jump the fence.

Sterilisation in males has its benefits too:

• It reduces the risk of testicular cancer

• Lowers the chance of prostate issues

• Helps with aggressive or dominant behaviour

• Reduces the urge to roam, fight, or mark territory

Translation? Less stress for your pet. Less stress for you. And that brings us to the next big question—when should you actually do it?

When Is the Best Time to Sterilise Your Pet?

Timing matters when it comes to sterilisation, and one of the most common questions veterinarians hear is: “At what age should I spay or neuter my dog or cat?” The answer depends on a few factors—including species, breed, size, and overall health—but there are general guidelines to help you make the best decision.

Early Sterilisation: The Standard Recommendation

Most animal welfare organisations, including the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) and the SPCA, recommend sterilising dogs and cats at around 4 to 6 months of age. This timing allows pets to avoid their first heat cycle (in females) or the onset of testosterone-driven behaviours (in males), while still being physically mature enough to handle the procedure safely.

In fact, many shelters and rescue organisations routinely sterilise puppies and kittens as early as 8 to 12 weeks old, especially when they’re being adopted out young. This practice, known as early-age sterilisation, is medically safe and widely supported by major veterinary associations when done correctly by trained professionals.

What About Larger Breeds?

For large- and giant-breed dogs, vets may sometimes advise waiting a little longer—usually until 9 to 12 months of age, or even later in some cases. This is because delayed sterilisation may support better joint development, which can be especially important in breeds prone to hip dysplasia or ligament issues.

However, this comes with trade-offs: the longer you wait, the higher the risk of unplanned litters, roaming, or certain hormone-related conditions. If you’re unsure, speak with your vet about the risk vs. benefit analysis for your specific breed.

Is My Pet Too Old to Be Sterilised?

One common myth is that older pets shouldn’t be sterilised. In reality, senior dogs and cats can still benefit greatly from the procedure—especially if they’re in reasonably good health. Age alone is almost never a disqualifier.

It’s Safe for Most Healthy Seniors

Veterinarians commonly perform sterilisation on older animals. While senior pets may require pre-operative bloodwork and a bit more post-op care, the procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated. Vets will take extra precautions to ensure your pet is monitored closely and recovers well.

The Health Benefits Still Apply

Sterilising an older pet can help prevent serious health issues, including uterine infections (like pyometra) in females and testicular or prostate problems in males. It also eliminates the risk of accidental pregnancies and may even improve behaviour by reducing hormone-driven stress and anxiety.

Talk to Your Vet and Make an Informed Choice

If you’ve recently adopted an adult or senior rescue animal who hasn’t been sterilised yet, don’t assume it’s too late. Consult your vet—they’ll assess your pet’s condition and help you decide the safest and most beneficial course of action. In many cases, sterilisation can still offer years of health, comfort, and freedom.

How to Decide What’s Right for Your Pet

Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right sterilisation age:

• Species: Cats can typically be sterilised earlier than dogs.

• Breed Size: Large-breed dogs may benefit from delayed sterilisation.

• Health Status: Some conditions may affect timing or recovery.

• Lifestyle: Indoor vs. outdoor pets face different risks.

• Environment: In high-risk areas for strays or roaming, early sterilisation may be best.

In general, the earlier you can sterilise your pet responsibly, the better—especially from a population control and behaviour standpoint. Let’s move on to how to break the breeding cycle.

Breaking the Cycle: The Overpopulation Crisis

In South Africa, tens of thousands of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanised every year simply because there aren’t enough homes. Shelters are overcrowded. Rescues are overwhelmed. Backyard breeding, accidental litters, and myths about “just one litter” all add to the crisis.

According to the SPCA, a single unsterilised female dog and her offspring can produce over 60,000 puppies in just six years. Cats? Even more.

Sterilising your pet isn’t just a personal choice. It’s a moral one. It’s how we start to turn the tide, one animal at a time.

The Power of Adoption in Combating Overpopulation

One of the most powerful ways to help address pet overpopulation—besides sterilising your own pets—is to choose adoption. Every time someone brings a rescue animal home, they’re not just saving one life—they're also helping to break the cycle of endless, unwanted litters.

Adoption and sterilisation go hand in hand. Most shelters and rescue organisations ensure that all animals are sterilised before they’re rehomed. This makes adopting not only a compassionate choice but a responsible one. It helps stop the problem before it starts again.

Sterilised and Ready: Why Shelter Pets Make Smart Choices

When you adopt from a shelter, you’re choosing a pet that has already received essential veterinary care. That includes sterilisation, vaccinations, and often microchipping.

This means you’re bringing home a healthy animal—and saving on upfront vet costs in the process. It's not only an ethical decision, but a smart and cost-effective one, too.

Rescues Are Full—Because Backyard Breeding Never Stops

Many of the animals sitting in shelters today aren’t there because something is wrong with them. They’re there because someone else didn’t sterilise their pet. Or because someone saw animals as a business, not beings.

Rescue groups are overwhelmed with dogs and cats who were bred without purpose or care, then discarded when it became inconvenient. Sterilisation is a direct action you can take to stop this from continuing.

Every adopted animal makes space for the next one. Every sterilised animal reduces the risk of another ending up in the system.

What Adoption Really Says About You

Choosing to adopt isn’t just about rescuing an animal—it’s about living your values. It says you believe animals deserve more than to be bred for profit. It says you see worth in second chances.

It also tells your community that kindness matters. That pets are part of the family, not a transaction.

And if you’ve ever met a rescue dog or cat, you know this: they love harder. They remember. And they give back in ways you’ll never forget.

Don’t Shop—Adopt, and Break the Cycle for Good

At the heart of the overpopulation crisis is a simple truth: when we stop supporting irresponsible breeding, we start building a better world for animals.

Adoption and sterilisation are the most effective, humane tools we have to end the suffering of unwanted pets. They go hand in hand. One changes a life. The other changes a future.

Choose both—and you’ll be doing more than giving a pet a home. You’ll be giving them the one thing every animal deserves: freedom. Up next, how much does it cost?

Affordability and Access: What It Costs and Where to Go

If cost is what’s holding you back, there are amazing programs across the country designed to help.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA offers sterilisation at a subsidised rate:

• Dog or cat sterilisation: R600

• Microchipping: R150

• Vaccination: R150

Even better, they run the Cape Town Pet Upliftment Project (CTPUP) in partnership with Identipet and atFrits Dog Hotel, offering packages that combine all three services at a reduced rate.

If you’re in Durban, the local SPCA offers the following:

• Dog spay: R770	• Cat spay: R560
• Dog neuter: R530	• Cat neuter: R420

Prices vary, but every SPCA is committed to helping. And if you’re in a position to help others, consider sponsoring a spay or neuter through your local shelter. One donation can change an entire animal’s life.

A Day in the Life: What a Sterilisation Day Really Looks Like

Hi again—it’s me, Bella. You’ve heard my story, but I want to show you what it’s like for dogs and cats who get their first shot at freedom on one of those big, bustling Sterilisation Days.

This isn’t just a regular vet visit. It’s an entire operation—planned, prepped, and powered by people who believe that every pet deserves care, no matter where they come from or who they belong to.

Why Host Sterilisation Days?

Sterilisation Days are community lifelines. For many pets, it’s their only chance at a better life.

These outreach events bring free and subsidised spay and neuter services directly to under-resourced communities, reducing unwanted litters, disease risks, and suffering.

Studies show that sterilised pets are less likely to develop certain cancers, roam, or act aggressively. But this day isn’t just about surgery. It’s about hope—especially for animals whose owners can’t afford regular vet care.

Planning Behind the Scenes

You’d think it’s just show up and snip—but there’s a whole world of planning behind every event.

Organisers start preparing two to three months in advance, mapping out high-need areas and securing a venue. They book veterinarians (usually more than one), and rally volunteers—those amazing people who spend their weekends lifting crates, logging weights, and comforting cats in carriers.

And trust me, they do it with smiles on their faces. Every one of them knows they’re saving lives.

Early Morning Chaos and Community Care

By 7:00 AM, the mobile clinic is ready. The first pets—nervous, scruffy, some wagging, some hiding—arrive with their humans. Intake volunteers check paperwork, weigh the animals, and prep them for the procedure.

I remember the smells: antiseptic and peanut butter biscuits. I remember one volunteer kneeling to whisper, “You’re going to be okay, sweetheart,” before giving me a scratch behind the ears.

Surgery, Recovery, and Gentle Hands

Once we’re on the table, it’s all business—but kind business. The vets work quickly and carefully. After surgery, we’re tucked into blankets and monitored while the anaesthetic wears off.

Each pet gets treated for ticks and fleas, and cats are tested for Feline AIDS and Leukemia. Feral cats are ear-tipped—a small snip on the ear to show they’ve been sterilised, so they’re not caught again unnecessarily.

The whole process is built on respect, even when we’re groggy and drooling.

A Little Extra Love

After the surgeries, each pet receives a small care parcel—food, treats, and sometimes a toy, all donated by sponsors and animal lovers. Some of us go back to our families. Others, like I did, go into foster homes where we’ll wait to be adopted.

By the end of the day, the team may have sterilised anywhere from 50 to 120 animals—depending on how many vets and volunteers are available.

Not Every Animal Can Be Sterilised—Yet

Some animals arrive too sick, too malnourished, or already in late pregnancy. For them, surgery is postponed, and they’re referred for future care. But nobody is turned away or forgotten. Every animal is given a name, a number, and a plan.

A Long Day, a Lasting Impact

Things usually wrap up by 6:00 PM—or later. Volunteers pack up. Vets stretch their aching backs. Animals are collected or returned. The community gets quieter, but something’s changed.

I know. I was one of them.

For some pets, Sterilisation Day is the day their suffering ends and their new life begins. It’s the day they get their freedom collar—just like I did.

Myth-Busting: What Sterilisation Doesn’t Do

“Won’t it change my pet’s personality?”

Yes—but for the better. Most pets become calmer, more affectionate, and less prone to aggression or anxiety. They’re still themselves, just without the stress and behaviours linked to hormones.

“Shouldn’t my female have one litter first?”

Nope. In fact, veterinary science has shown that the earlier a female is sterilised—ideally before her first heat—the more protected she is from reproductive cancers and infections. There is no physical or emotional benefit to letting her have a litter first.

“It’s unnatural.”

Actually, what’s unnatural is the endless breeding cycles that unsterilised animals endure—especially in overpopulated areas. Sterilisation restores balance, prevents suffering, and lets your pet enjoy life as a companion, not a commodity.

“It’s expensive.”

Not compared to the cost of raising a litter or treating illnesses like pyometra or mammary cancer. Plus, many shelters and SPCAs offer affordable or subsidised options to make sterilisation accessible to everyone.

Post-Surgery: What to Expect

Most pets recover from sterilisation in a matter of days. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Day 1: Sleepy, wobbly, quiet. Keep your pet warm and let them rest.

• Day 2–3: Appetite returns, mild swelling may occur. Limit movement.

• Day 4–7: Healing begins. Keep the wound clean and dry. No jumping or rough play.

• Day 10–14: Stitches out (or dissolve). Life returns to normal—except it’s better now.

Your vet will provide post-operative care instructions tailored to your pet. Follow them closely and your furry friend will bounce back quickly.

Why It Matters—To Pets, People, and the Planet

Sterilisation isn’t just a health choice. It’s a kindness. It protects animals from suffering, controls population growth, and reduces the burden on shelters and communities.

It also creates safer neighbourhoods. Sterilised pets are less likely to roam, get hit by cars, or cause conflicts with other animals. It’s a public safety issue as much as it is a private decision.

And for pets like me? It’s a promise. A promise that I’ll never be used again. That I’ll never have to lose another litter. That I belong, and I’m valued, not for what I can produce—but for who I am.

Final Thoughts: A Collar That Says “I’m Loved”

When my foster mom called my post-surgery cone a “freedom collar,” I didn’t get it at first. It was itchy and embarrassing. I didn’t feel free—I felt confused. But a few days later, when I could sleep without worry, eat without stress, and play without pain, I started to understand.

It wasn’t just about surgery. It was about a second chance. A new name. A warm bed. A life where I was no longer used—but loved.

Freedom from the cycle. Freedom from pain. Freedom to be a dog, fully and joyfully.

So here’s to the freedom collar. To the quiet surgeries that save lives. To the pet parents who choose compassion. And to a future where every animal has a home, not a burden.

If your pet isn’t sterilised yet—make the call. Book the appointment. Ask the questions. Be their hero.

Because freedom looks good on everyone. Especially the ones who never had it before.

“I didn’t choose to be born into that life. But someone chose to give me a better one. That’s what a freedom collar really means.” – Bella.