Neutering is no longer ‘one size fits all’

Prepubertal sterilisation can negatively impact long-term animal health. InsituGen’s bioassay technology can guide the timing of surgical and non-surgical sterilisation in dogs. It allows data-driven management of sterilisation to positively impact long-term animal health.

Backed by Veterinary Science

Available in New Zealand and the United Kingdom

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Neutering is no longer one size fits all

Partnered with NationWide Laboraties

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NationWide Laboratories
NeuterReady has partnered with NationWide Laboratories as its UK distributor and testing partner. Through this collaboration, UK veterinary teams can access the same science-led hormonal maturity testing, delivered locally. UK-based vets and clinics can learn how NeuterReady supports informed neutering decisions via NationWide Laboratories.
Learn about NeuterReady in the UK

Webinar:

Rethink Neutering Personalised Decisions for Your Dog’s Health

Watch this expert webinar to learn why neutering is no longer a one-size-fits-all decision. Discover the latest science, real case studies, and a new test that helps you and your vet make the best choice for your dog’s lifelong wellbeing.

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Rethink Neutering Personalised Decisions for Your Dog's Health
Why Timing Matters

Why Timing Matters

The age you recommend desexing can shape a dog’s health for life.
NeuterReady supports hormone-based readiness assessments, helping you:

Guide owners with confidence

Reduce surgical complications

Improve long-term patient wellbeing

Align with best-practice standards and population health goals

This is a smarter, evidence-led approach that puts each dog’s individual needs first – supporting, not replacing, your clinical judgment.

When Timing is Right, Everyone Benefits

Optimal timing delivers healthier, happier dogs and stronger clinic-client relationships.

Hormonal Balance

Supports natural development before surgery.

Lower Health Risks

Reduces certain orthopaedic and behavioural issues.

Improved Recovery

Minimises post-operative complications.

Client Confidence

Builds trust through transparent, personalised recommendations.
Technical Information Guide

Download: Technical Information Guide

Discover a smarter approach to neutering. Download the NeuterReady Technical Information Sheet and learn how maturity testing enables informed, health-first surgical timing.

Simple for Clinics. Powerful

Assess Hormonal Maturity

Our test detects androgen bioactivity at low concentrations, distinguishing between juvenile and hormonally mature dogs with high sensitivity – supporting precise surgical timing.

Monitor Chemical Neutering

Track hormonal rebound after GnRH super agonist implants to confirm endocrine recovery and inform next steps.

Assess Cryptorchidism

Identify hormonally active testicular tissue in cases where physical examination or imaging is inconclusive.

Designed for Your Workflow

Less than 1 ml blood sample required

Processed at one of our local laboratories in the UK & NZ

Results in 2–7 days
No extra equipment or specialist training needed
Seamless integration with existing protocols

Currently available for male dogs, with expansion to female spay assessments and chemical sterilisation monitoring planned.

Download full process guide
Download Sample Form
New Clinic Form

Improve outcomes, reduce friction, and lead the change.

NeuterReady helps clinics move beyond one-size-fits-all desexing timelines by providing practical, hormone-based guidance. It empowers your team to deliver confident, consistent advice that’s backed by data and aligned with client expectations. You’ll enhance clinical outcomes, reduce surgical risks, and build deeper trust with pet owners.

It’s a smart, scalable solution that positions your practice as both progressive and community-minded.

Real-world results from participating clinics:

  • One 9-month-old male showed delayed hormonal maturity, despite aligning with conventional timing recommendations
  • A 10-month-old male tested as hormonally mature and ready, enabling earlier intervention without compromising welfare
  • Clinics report fewer post-operative complications and clearer decision-making conversations with clients

Why practices choose NeuterReady:

  • Supports evidence-led, individualised desexing advice
  • Helps reduce surgical rework and risk by ensuring maturity alignment
  • Builds owner confidence with transparent, data-backed assessments
  • Contributes to population health goals and community-led welfare outcomes
  • Reinforces your clinic’s role as a leader in best-practice, hormone-based desexing readiness

Lead the Change in Desexing Protocols

NeuterReady helps your clinic:

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Downloads and The Science Behind

We believe confident decisions come from good information. Here are some published studies that support a timing-based approach to neutering:

Practice Resources

Practice Resources

New Customer Form (PDF) - for clinics new to NeuterReady
NeuterNow Process (PDF) — full step-by-step testing protocol
Sample Form – Animal Submission (PDF) — to accompany each blood sample
Veterinarian Information Sheet (PDF) — quick reference for clinical staff
Owner Information Sheet (PDF) — for use in client conversations
Relevant Research

Relevant Research

Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Siberian Husky: associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence
Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for Mixed Breed Dogs of Five Weight Categories: Associated Joint Disorders and Cancers
Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence

About the NeuterReady Programme

A new standard in dog desexing protocols.

NeuterReady is a science-led, clinically supported programme that helps practices implement desexing age recommendations based on hormonal maturity – not arbitrary timelines. Backed by data and developed in collaboration with veterinary experts, it delivers real-world benefits to dogs, owners, and communities.

Designed to Support Veterinary Workflows

Simple to implement. Powerful in impact.

From pre-neuter assessments to informed surgical timing guidance, NeuterReady integrates with your existing clinical process. With streamlined tools and support, it reduces the burden on staff while aligning with recognised vet desexing guidelines.

Bring NeuterReady into Your Practice

Ready to integrate NeuterReady into your clinical workflow? Start with a simple setup, seamless integration, and ongoing support.

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Peer-Supported. Clinically Aligned.

“Detecting hormonal maturity before neutering allows for more personalised, informed decisions and reduces risks like behavioural problems or long-term health impacts, such as certain orthopaedic problems. At the very least, it should be part of the conversation with the owner.”

— Prof. Dr. Sandra Goericke-Pesch

DECAR, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover

“As a veterinarian working in reproduction and policy, I see real value in tools such as NeuterReady. A context-specific, individualised approach to sterilisation is increasingly recognised as best practice… Confirming hormonal maturity before surgery is an important part of this discussion… Having a reliable, evidence-based way to assess maturity can allow veterinarians to better support owners in making informed, welfare-focused decisions.”
— Dr Becky Murphy

Director & Senior Clinical Veterinarian, TCI Vets, Fielding NZ

“Pet owners are often anxious about neutering. With NeuterReady, vets can show them objective results and explain the timing clearly – whether clinics are considering a surgical or a chemical option. It builds trust, reduces anxiety, and positions clinics as leaders in modern veterinary care.”
— Dr Oliver Gehrig

Veterinarian, Germany

“This test finally fills a critical gap in veterinary medicine. Determining readiness for neutering – surgical or chemical – used to involve uncertainty and risk. NeuterReady provides a science-based, validated solution that reduces complications, protects animal welfare, and supports longevity through better reproductive health management.”

— Dr Oliver Salesov

Veterinarian, Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the test administered?

A simple blood test is collected during a standard consult. Submit your sample through your usual NationWide Laboratories courier or collection service, and results will be delivered via the NWL online portal. Results are published typically within 2-3 working days of sample receipt.

What does the test measure?

The test analyses circulating androgen levels to determine sexual maturity – key indicators for optimal desexing timing.

Is it expensive?
No, NeuterReady is priced comparably to other common third-party veterinary diagnostics.
Does it delay desexing unnecessarily?
Not at all. In some cases, younger dogs are hormonally mature earlier than guidelines suggest while others may benefit from waiting. It’s about making informed decisions, not enforcing arbitrary delays.
Can owners opt out?
Absolutely. The programme is designed to support informed choice. Our goal is to make client conversations clearer, not more complicated.
Is there a recommended retesting period?
For dogs that return ‘pre-mature’ levels of androgen bioactivity, a retest after about 2-3 months is recommended depending on breed.
For male dogs, the testes change size when maturing, so why a blood test?
While physical changes (such as testicular enlargement) are observable, they are subjective and open to interpretation. NeuterReady measures androgen receptor bioactivity levels, a more accurate and repeatable method for determining hormonal maturity status.