27 November 2020

Benefits and risks of neutering pets – what is the evidence – Behaviour

spotlight topic: Benefits and risks of neutering pets – what is the evidence? Behaviour Published 26 November 2020 | Updated 9 May 2025 While neutering can be helpful in the management of some problem behaviours, such as urine marking in the house, mounting and roaming, the effect of neutering on other behaviours is less easy to predict and careful assessment of the problem and discussion with the owners of the risks and benefits should be carried out. In cases of uncertainty it may be appropriate to consider temporary (non-surgical) hormonal control to assess the effect on behaviour.

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