General Spaying, Neutering & Surgical Sterilization Policy

Applicable to All Pet Rabbits, Guinea Pigs (Cavies), and Fancy Rats

Our Position on Spaying & Neutering

Cherokee Flats strongly discourages elective spaying, neutering, and other non-medically necessary reproductive sterilization procedures for animals purchased from our farm.

Small animals have varying metabolic rates, and their small body size can make anesthesia administration and accurate medication dosing particularly challenging. Even relatively small dosing errors can have serious consequences. Differences in metabolism, body weight, health, and individual responses to anesthetic medications can increase the risk of complications.

Because of these concerns, including the potential for anesthetic overdose, respiratory complications, and difficulties during recovery, Cherokee Flats does not recommend elective sterilization of rabbits, guinea pigs, or fancy rats.

Although anesthesia carries risks, those risks vary by species, individual health, procedure, and the experience of the veterinary team. Proper monitoring, equipment, and species-specific anesthetic protocols are essential.

Our spaying and neutering policy is included in the Cherokee Flats Purchase Agreement and is intended to be a contractual condition of sale, subject to applicable law.

All prospective buyers must review and acknowledge this policy before purchasing an animal.

Medical Exceptions

Cherokee Flats recognizes that surgical sterilization may be medically necessary in certain circumstances.

Examples include:

• Serious injuries involving reproductive organs.

• Uterine or ovarian disease.

• Testicular or reproductive tumors.

• Other conditions for which a licensed veterinarian determines that surgical intervention is medically necessary.

Medical decisions must be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian experienced with the species.

Cherokee Flats does not require owners to delay or withhold medically necessary veterinary care.

Purchase Agreement Acknowledgment

By purchasing a pet rabbit, guinea pig, or fancy rat from Cherokee Flats, the buyer acknowledges that:

1. Cherokee Flats strongly discourages elective spaying and neutering.

2. This policy is disclosed before purchase and incorporated into the written Purchase Agreement.

3. The buyer understands that anesthesia and surgical procedures carry risks, particularly when precise medication dosing and monitoring are required for small animals.

4. Medically necessary treatment must not be delayed or withheld.

5. Veterinary decisions should be made with a qualified, species-experienced veterinarian.

6. Any contractual restrictions and remedies are subject to the signed Purchase Agreement and applicable law.

Cherokee Flats reserves the right to decline a prospective sale when an applicant does not agree to our disclosed placement policies, subject to applicable law.