What does "spaying" involve?

Spaying refers specifically to the surgical procedure that involves the removal of a female animal's reproductive organs, which typically includes the ovaries and usually the uterus as well. This procedure prevents the female from going into heat and eliminates the possibility of pregnancy. Spaying is not only a common practice in veterinary medicine to help control the pet population but also can provide health benefits for the animal, such as reducing the risk of certain types of cancers and infections.

The other options do not accurately define the process of spaying. Removing male reproductive organs pertains to neutering, while applying a contraceptive collar involves a non-surgical method of birth control not related to the surgical procedure of spaying. The focus of spaying is solely on female animals and their reproductive organs, making it distinct from the concepts presented in the other choices.