Are you allowed to have an animal fixed so it can’t have children?

Thank you for your question. The prohibition to have an animal sterilized through removal of reproductive organs is stated in the Shulchan Oruch, Even HaEzer 5:11. Although there are opinions that removal of female reproductive organs is forbidden Rabbinically, all agree that it is forbidden. If an animal is suffering and sterilization will alleviate that suffering, there are two possible remedies. One is to sell or give the animal to a non-Jew, and have him or her bring it to a non-Jewish vet for sterilization. The other possibility is that if the animal can be rendered infertile without actual removal of the reproductive organs, this would be permitted, but, once again, only to alleviate the animal’s suffering and not merely for the owner’s own convenience.

Take care,

Rabbi Aaron Tendler