How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter Your Dog or Cat?

Spaying and neutering are important parts of pet ownership. Spaying refers to the procedure to remove a female pet’s reproductive organs. Neutering procedures remove reproductive organs from male animals. 

Because these procedures remove your pet’s reproductive organs, they can help prevent unplanned pregnancy and animal overpopulation. They also prevent medical issues such as uterine infections, breast tumors, and testicular cancer. In addition, these one-time procedures can help with pets’ behavioral problems, such as 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. Below we break down the price ranges of spaying and neutering, what can affect the price, and ways to find low-cost options.

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How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog?

The price to spay or neuter your dog will vary based on several factors, such as their weight, breed, species, and age. In fact, many vet practices 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.

It’s best to ask what is included in the quoted cost upfront. That way you’ll be able to gauge whether the figure is accurate, and you can budget accordingly.

To give you a better idea of the ranges you might encounter, here are a few examples of spaying and neutering costs for dogs throughout the U.S. They include low-cost options such as nonprofits and voucher programs.

How much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat?

The cost to spay or neuter your cat will vary based on where you live and where you take your cat for the surgery. Taking your cat to a private animal hospital, for example, will typically cost more than taking them to a nonprofit veterinary clinic.

The table below gives you a general idea about what costs to expect for spaying or neutering a cat.

Keep in mind that 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 cat’s surgery. You may also have to have blood work or other testing performed to make sure it’s safe to give your cat anesthesia.

Is spaying more expensive than neutering?

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 abdomen to access the animal’s reproductive organs. During a typical spay, the veterinarian removes a female pet’s ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Neutering only requires removing a male pet’s testicles. Male sex organs are also more accessible because they are on the outside of the body, making the procedure less invasive. 

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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. Pet insurance is meant to help cover unexpected costs, such as accidents or illness, rather than preventive treatments. But many pet insurance companies allow you to purchase a wellness plan — an optional add-on coverage, which may cover spaying or neutering — for your policy. Pet wellness plans are also available separately from a pet insurance policy. 

The table below shows typical coverage for spaying and neutering services if you have a wellness pet insurance plan.

It might be worth it to purchase pet insurance with a wellness add-on that will cover a spay or neuter surgery at a lower cost. But look carefully at the terms of your insurance plan — you may have to pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. You may also have to wait a specific amount of time before you can use your coverage for spay and neuter services. 

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How can I find low-cost spay and neuter clinics in my area?

The availability of low-cost spay and neuter options will depend on your individual circumstances and location. The following organizations and resources can help you find low-cost options: 

• The Humane Society provides a database of national and state-based financial assistance programs for pet owners. 

• The Petsmart Charities database is another good place to start looking for low-cost options near you. 

• SpayUSA — a program associated with North Shore Animal League America — offers a referral service where you can search for a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in your area.

• The United Spay Alliance provides a map where you can search for local veterinary clinics that provide low-cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats.

• Best Friends also offers a map where you can search for low-cost spay and neuter resources near you.

• Friends of Animals offers certificates you can purchase in advance for discounted spay and neuter services. You’ll need to search for a veterinarian who accepts the certificates, which are good for 12 months.

• Another option to consider is vet schools; they may run low-cost clinics for the pets of individuals with low incomes. 

• 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.

• Contact your local veterinarian. See if they offer discount programs or would arrange a payment plan.

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, such as your pet’s age, species, and 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, males spraying in your house, 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. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Devon Delfino

Devon Delfino is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University. She specializes in personal finance, a topic she’s covered for 5 years.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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