There are plenty of reasons to spay and neuter your pets. Yes, having your pet “fixed” prevents unwanted litters. But there are many other incentives as well, including your pet’s health and happiness.
Thinkstock
To find an in-depth list of the reasons to spay or neuter your pet see Benefits of Spaying and Why Neuter Your Dog?
These routine surgeries typically cost up to $200, depending on the vet and the facility. However, more affordable options are available to pet owners through lower-cost spay/neuter programs and clinics.
To find a lower-cost spay/neuter clinic near you, please visit the ASPCA’s Free and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Database.
The cost of a spay or neuter surgery for your pet can vary widely, from free to over $500, depending on where you go.
Private practice veterinarians are usually more expensive than clinics, like those available through nonprofit organizations and pet rescue centers.
You should always ask what’s included with the quoted cost of a spay or neuter procedure so there are no surprises.
Spaying and neutering is an important part of pet ownership. These procedures, which remove your pet’s reproductive organs, can help prevent unplanned pregnancy and animal overpopulation. They also protect against medical issues such as uterine infections, breast tumors, and testicular cancer. In addition, these one-time procedures can help with behavioral problems, like pets roaming or running away to find a mate.
But spaying and neutering can be expensive. Prices and availability vary widely, so it’s difficult to know what to expect. Your priorities — and your pet’s health — will ultimately guide your decision. Below we break down the price ranges of spaying and neutering, what can affect the price, and ways to find low-cost options.
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a pet?
The price to spay or neuter a pet will vary based on several factors, such as weight, breed, species, and age (which we’ll discuss more later on).
To give you a better idea of the ranges you might encounter, here are a few examples of spay and neuter costs for dogs and cats throughout the U.S. They include low-cost options such as nonprofits and voucher programs.
Spay/neuter base price for dogsClinic/VetBase Price: SpayBase Price: NeuterState voucher program$75$60Spay, neuter, and vaccine clinic$150–$240
(depending on weight)$135–$175
(depending on weight)Nonprofit veterinary clinic$50–$80
(depending on weight)$50–$80
(depending on weight)SPCA/Humane SocietyFreeFreePrivate animal hospital$320–$514
(depending on age and weight)$267–$436
(depending on age and weight)
Spay/neuter base price for catsClinic/VetBase Price: SpayBase Price: NeuterState voucher program$50$25Spay, neuter, and vaccine clinic$100$75Nonprofit veterinary clinic$40$40SPCA/Humane SocietyFreeFreePrivate animal hospital$289$225
Keep in mind the above prices may not include everything associated with your pet’s surgery, so you may end up paying more when the bill comes due. For example, you may have to pay a general examination fee or pay separately for medications used during your dog or cat’s surgery.
Is spaying more expensive than neutering?
Spaying refers to the procedure to remove a female pet’s reproductive organs. Neutering procedures remove reproductive organs from male animals. In general, it tends to be more expensive to spay a pet than it is to neuter one. That’s because neutering tends to be less complex.
Spaying involves opening your dog or cat’s stomach to access the animal’s reproductive organs. Male sex organs are more accessible because they are on the outside, making the procedure less invasive. So, neutering is faster and requires fewer resources. But that’s only one factor that can impact costs.
Does pet insurance cover the cost of spay or neuter services?
Pet insurance doesn’t typically cover spaying or neutering procedures unless you’ve purchased a wellness plan rider — an optional add-on coverage — for your policy. This is because pet insurance is meant to help cover unexpected costs, like accidents or illness, rather than preventative treatments.
Whether or not it’s best to get pet insurance before spaying or neutering your pet will depend on the coverages you purchase. If you purchase insurance or a wellness rider that will cover a spay or neuter surgery at a lower cost, it might be worth it. But look carefully at the terms of your insurance plan — you may have to pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in.
Pet wellness plans are also available separately from pet insurance. Unlike insurance, wellness plans are focused strictly on prevention. This includes services like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and spaying and neutering. Keep in mind if you purchase a standalone wellness plan or add a wellness rider to your pet insurance plan, you may have to wait a certain amount of time before you can use your coverage.
Is getting my pet spayed or neutered at a clinic cheaper than getting it done by my vet?
Yes, it’s typically cheaper to go to a clinic than it is to go to a vet’s office for a spay or neuter procedure. This is because clinics tend to rely on state programs or donations to help cover their costs, while a vet’s office might handle all of those costs themselves.
Clinics and vet’s offices aren’t the only options though: Some pet stores offer spay and neuter procedures. The services at those locations, as well as the associated costs, may vary. Check with your local pet store to see if spaying or neutering your pet is an option there.
What is included in the cost of spaying and neutering?
As mentioned earlier, the full cost of a spay or neuter procedure varies depending on where you go. In general, the price for spaying or neutering typically covers the procedure itself as well as anesthesia. But every location will bill differently, and many charges associated with the surgery aren’t always included in the base price.
For example, the following may appear separately from the surgery on your bill:
Pain medication
Surgical monitoring
A cat carrier (if required) or e-collar
What are the factors that can impact the cost of spaying or neutering?
Your pet’s age, weight, size, and existing conditions may impact the cost of their spay or neuter procedure. In fact, many vets and clinics charge different rates depending on the weight of the animal. And anything that may complicate the procedure will often incur its own fees as well. For example, if your male pet has a condition where a testicle has not descended, it’s a more complex surgery that will cost more.
Your dog or cat’s spay and neuter appointment might also include other preventative services that impact the cost. You may see the following listed as separate fees on your final bill:
Microchipping
Pre-surgery lab work
Required vaccinations such as rabies
Flea, tick, and worm preventative medications
It’s best to ask what is included in the quoted cost up front. That way you’ll be able to gauge whether or not the figure is accurate, and you can budget accordingly.
Are there any low-cost spaying and neutering options?
Yes, but the availability of low-cost spay and neuter options will depend on your individual circumstances and location. The Humane Society provides a database of national and state-based financial assistance programs for pet owners. There are also state- and county-based programs that may be able to help, particularly in areas where cat or dog overpopulation is an issue.
And the ASPCA has free and low-cost spay and neuter options in select locations that may be of interest:
LocationTypeCostNew York CityMobile clinicFree with proof of public assistance, otherwise $125Los AngelesClinicFree; only available to those who live in a qualifying ZIP codeAsheville, North CarolinaSpay/Neuter AllianceCats: $35 (neuter) or $50 (spay)
Dogs: $65
It’s important to know, however, that you may have to show proof of low income or that you receive government benefits to qualify for some low-cost options. There might be other requirements to qualify, like animal age and species as well as your pet’s health. Some clinics will only work with animals in good health.
Keep in mind, if there’s a lot of demand for the services or you live in a remote area with only one clinic, you may have to put your pet on a waiting list. That extra wait time for a spay or neuter procedure can lead to an unexpected pregnancy or a roaming male animal. Make sure to supervise your pet at all times when they’re around other animals or outdoors until they’ve been spayed or neutered.
How can I find low-cost spay and neuter clinics in my area?
The Petsmart Charities database is a good place to start looking for low-cost options near you. You may also want to see if there are any local, county, state, or breed-specific programs that could help cover the costs. Or, if you’re taking in a feral cat, there may be free and low-cost programs available as well.
Another option to consider is vet schools: They may run low-cost clinics for individuals with low incomes. If you aren’t near a traditional low-cost option, like a clinic, pop-up option, or animal welfare organization, contact your local veterinarian. See if they offer any discount programs or if they’d be willing to arrange a payment plan.
The bottom line
Getting your pet spayed or neutered can run you anywhere from free to $500 or more. So it’s important to weigh your options carefully before scheduling your dog or cat’s procedure. You may consider low-cost options as well as pet insurance riders and wellness plans to help keep the procedure within your budget. The best option will depend on your pet’s needs and health status, as well as your means. When shopping around, ask what’s included in the quoted price for the spay or neuter surgery. That way, you’ll have a solid understanding of what to expect and what really is a better deal.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
Was this page helpful?
thumb_up_outlinedthumb_down_outlined
Subscribe and save.
Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.