What Is the Cost of Spaying or Neutering a Dog?

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The decision to spay or neuter your dog is usually one you make early in your pet's life. Spaying a female dog and neutering or castrating a male dog are largely regarded as the most effective methods of pet population control. They can also keep your dog healthier and help her live a longer, happier life.

"In addition to helping to prevent pet overpopulation, altering your pet can improve your pet's overall health and help reduce bad behaviors like marking," says Preston Moore, Iowa State Director, State Affairs for The Humane Society of the Americas.

Even if you believe in the operations' merits, you may have doubts about how much it costs to spay or neuter a dog. And, to be honest, it isn't cheap. However, animal lovers and activists do not want money to be a barrier to getting your dog spayed or neutered. Some organizations, usually nonprofits or government agencies, have generated funds through donations to provide spaying and neutering surgeries at a reduced cost to persons who would otherwise be unable to afford such a service for their pets. Whether you choose these low-cost choices or visit your veterinarian, Find out how much spaying or neutering will cost and choose the best option for you and your dog.

How Much Does it Cost to Spay a Female Dog?

The cost of spaying your female dog, which entails removing her ovaries and uterus so she cannot bear puppies, is determined by a few factors:

• Where you reside.
• The size of your dog (for example, smaller canines like Chihuahuas are less expensive than a Great Dane).
• What kind of veterinarian do you select.

While there are many variables, spaying normally costs between $50 and $500. Costs at the lower end of the spectrum are often subsidized by a government body. "There are many low-cost spay and neuter clinics around the country to help make the process more accessible to all pet owners," Moore explains. "To find a low-cost clinic in your area, check with your vet, local animal shelters, or simply do an online search for 'low-cost spay and neuter clinic' in your area."

In major cities around the country, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides low-cost spay and neuter services. PetSmart, a national retailer, also includes a searchable directory of low-cost spay and neuter choices. You can also inquire with your local animal shelter or humane society to see if they provide low-cost spaying.

A traditional, privately owned veterinarian office will almost certainly charge more than $400 for such a surgery. While that is not a tiny sum of money, keep in mind that it is likely less than the cost of caring for her during pregnancy, delivery, and caring for a new litter of puppies.

When reviewing your alternatives, it's essential speaking with your veterinarian, as they may provide a payment plan or other financing options. In either case, you can expect your pet to be well-cared for during her spaying process. Price, according to experts, should not be your motivator.

"Please don't price shop for a spay," advises Pam Nichols, DVM, the American Animal Hospital Association's President-elect. "The single most difficult surgery that most veterinarians will perform is a spay on an adult, large breed, slightly overweight or obese dog."

What Is Included in the Cost of Dog Spaying?

Spaying is a serious surgery, therefore the cost is understandable. And there will be some care involved—your veterinarian will need to ensure your pet is a healthy candidate for surgery, does well while being operated on, has appropriate pain treatment options, and recovers well.

Your dog will be sedated during the procedure. This is something you should address with your veterinarian. You'll want to know what will be used and how your dog will be monitored while she's being sedated. Of course, the cost includes the operation as well as all blood tests and monitoring. Someone will most likely be with your dog until she completely awakens from surgery in a regular veterinarian clinic.

If you use a low-cost service, you may need to specify what is included before and after surgery (for example, there isn't normally a thorough pre-exam or blood testing). If the low-cost service only covers the surgery, you may need to schedule a follow-up visit with your normal veterinarian.

And if the procedure is more involved than planned, such as if your dog has pre-existing problems that require extra blood tests before surgery or is older, the total cost could rise by $100 to $200. However, discussing these charges with your veterinarian will help you get a grasp on them, and you should be made aware of this upfront. Your veterinarian may also be happy to give you a tour of the facilities, including the operating room, so you know where the treatment will take place and how much it will cost.

How Much Does a Male Dog Neuter Cost?

While not as expensive as spaying a female dog, which is a more complicated surgery, neutering is nevertheless a surgical treatment that is not inexpensive. The cost of neutering a dog ranges from $35 to $250, depending on the breed and age of the dog, where you reside, and the sort of veterinary clinic you visit. If your dog has any pre-existing conditions, the cost may rise. That is why it is critical to meet with your veterinarian ahead of time and go over all of the details.

Ideally, your dog's castration would be performed by your normal veterinarian. He is best able to comprehend any factors that should be explored before doing surgery as your dog's primary healthcare practitioner. Furthermore, many veterinarians can provide payment plans to spread out the cost of your dog's neutering surgery. If you do decide to seek help elsewhere, you can still receive expert care at a recognized low-cost clinic.

Nellie Goetz, DVM MPH, is the Executive Director of Altered Tails, a high-volume spay/neuter clinic that serves 22,000 patients each year. She wants pet owners to understand that getting their dogs neutered does not have to be expensive.

"When you go to a low-cost clinic, you should be getting the same level of care that you would expect from a full-service clinic," she says. "Today, vets and staff at these clinics are highly trained, and because of the level of efficiency, they can perform many more spay/neuter surgeries per day than a full-service practice."

What Is Included in the Cost of Dog Neutering?

Neutering is a surgical operation in which your dog's testicles are removed after the veterinarian makes an incision in his scrotum. And, as with any operation, there are measures to ensure that your dog is a good candidate for surgery.

The cost of neutering at a private vet's practice will most likely include the pre-exam and blood work that is required. Your dog will be sedated prior to the operation and monitored while sedated. As a result, that is also included in the procedure cost. Small dogs may be less expensive than large dogs since they require less anesthetic. The cost will almost certainly involve someone monitoring your dog throughout the treatment and afterward as he recovers from anesthesia.

Because each dog is a unique patient to treat, many veterinarians treat the cost of neutering on a case-by-case basis. Before your dog goes into surgery, have open communication with his care professional so you fully understand the procedure and what is included.