Final answer:
Spaying a female pet is medically termed ovariohysterectomy. It is a form of sterilization different from tubal ligation in humans, as it involves the removal of reproductive organs to prevent pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper veterinary medical term for spaying a female pet is ovariohysterectomy, which is a surgical procedure where a female pet's reproductive organs, specifically the ovaries and uterus, are removed. This is distinct from tubal ligation in human females, a form of sterilization in which the Fallopian tubes are severed and sealed to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Ovariohysterectomy is a form of sterilization and is generally irreversible, ensuring that the animal cannot become pregnant.