How Much Does It Cost To Spay or Neuter a Dog?

The cost of neutering or spaying your dog can range from $250 – $525 or higher, depending on factors like the dog’s size, age, and the location of the veterinarian clinic.¹ Whether you’re planning to spay or neuter your puppy soon or are gathering information about these surgeries, understanding all of the price factors can help you plan ahead.

Let’s break down the average costs to spay or neuter a dog so you’ll know what you can expect to pay.

What’s the Difference Between Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying and neutering are common surgical procedures that prevent dogs from reproducing. Here are the main differences between the two surgeries:²

• Spaying: This surgery is for female dogs and involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Spay surgery makes it so the dog is unable to become pregnant and stops her heat cycle permanently.
• Neutering: This procedure is for male dogs and involves the removal of the testes. Neuter surgery sterilizes the dog, which prevents reproduction and potentially reduces mating behaviors.

After either surgery, most dogs can go home the same day. However, it’s important to keep your dog calm and limit their physical activity for about 10 – 14 days after the surgery so they can heal properly. Your vet might also recommend that your dog wear an Elizabethan collar (E-collar or cone collar) so they don’t lick or bite at the surgical site.³

Average Cost to Spay or Neuter a Dog

On average, spaying or neutering your dog can cost between $250 and $525, though the specific costs vary based on the dog’s size, age, and overall health condition.¹

Surgery costs also depend on the vet clinic where your dog got the surgery. At a private vet practice, for example, the cost to neuter a dog can range between $196 and $470. On the flipside, the cost to spay a dog may cost about $262 – $578.⁴

What does the cost of each surgery include?

Your vet may require certain tests throughout the surgical process, which can affect the final cost. For example, your puppy may need blood work before surgery to make sure they’re fit for the procedure.⁴

General canine anesthesia is also required for spay and neuter surgeries. If your dog is a larger breed, they may need more anesthesia, which can increase the overall cost of surgery.⁴

After surgery, you can expect to pay for the costs associated with monitoring your dog. You may also have to cover the costs of pain medications and potentially an Elizabethan collar to keep your dog from licking the surgical site.^3,4

Factors That Affect the Cost To Spay or Neuter a Dog

Several factors can influence the overall cost of spaying or neutering your canine companion. Here’s a look at some of the key elements:^4,5

• Dog’s size: Larger dogs generally require more anesthesia and may have more complex surgeries, which can increase the overall cost to spay or neuter them.
• Dog’s age: The age of your dog can affect the price of spay or neuter surgery. Younger or older dogs might have different surgical needs to risks, which can impact the total cost.
• Location of veterinary clinic: Veterinary fees can vary by geographic location. Costs might be higher in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living.
• Type of vet clinic: The type of vet clinic — whether it's a private practice or a low-cost clinic — can also affect pricing.

When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog?

Here’s a general guideline of when to spay and neuter your puppy, based on recommendations from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA^Ⓡ).⁶

When to spay your dog

Small-breed female dogs — those expected to weigh 45 pounds or less in adulthood — should ideally be spayed before their first heat cycle (5 – 6 months). For large-breed female dogs, it’s generally recommended to wait until they’ve finished growing (up to 15 months) before spaying, as this can help prevent potential complications and ensure proper development.⁶

It’s important to discuss the best timing for your dog with your veterinarian to ensure the procedure aligns with their developmental needs.

When to neuter your dog

For small male dogs, it’s usually recommended to schedule the neutering procedure when your dog is about 6 months old. Large or giant male dogs, on the other hand, are often sterilized later, when they’ve completed their growth. This is generally between 9 and 15 months of age.⁶

Again, consulting your veterinarian can provide personalized guidance based on your dog’s breed and overall health.

Benefits of Neutering or Spaying a Dog

Here’s a detailed look at some of the health and behavioral benefits of spaying or neutering a dog.^2,7

Medical benefits

• Protects against certain cancers: Spaying a female dog can help prevent serious health issues, like breast cancer. For male dogs, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the chances of prostate cancer.
• Prevents painful infections: Spaying your dog also eliminates the risk of pyometra, a potentially dangerous uterine infection that can cause pain and health complications.
• Helps your dog live a longer, healthier life: By reducing the risk of these health problems, spaying or neutering can help your dog live a longer and more comfortable life.

Behavioral benefits

• Stops heat cycles: For female dogs, spaying stops the discomfort and behavioral changes that come with heat cycles, like restlessness, frequent urination, and vocalizing to get attention.
• Reduces roaming and aggressive behaviors: Getting your male dog fixed can also reduce the urge to roam (look for a mate), which can keep them safer. It can also calm some of the more aggressive tendencies tied to hormones.
• Cuts down on marking: Spaying or neutering can also make a big difference if your dog has a habit of marking their territory. You might see fewer incidents of urine marking around the house or yard after the procedure.

Where To Neuter or Spay Your Dog

The best way to find a place to neuter or spay your dog is by starting a conversation with your veterinarian directly. They may know of financing options to suit your budget. If not, your vet should be able to provide a reasonably priced referral for your dog.

Additionally, you can check with your local pet store, animal shelter, or humane society to see if they offer vouchers or referrals.

Ready To Spay or Neuter Your Dog? Here’s How Pet Insurance Can Help

Choosing to spay or neuter your dog is a big step toward their health and happiness. While many pet insurance plans don’t cover these procedures, MetLife Pet Insurance offers a Preventive Care add-on that can help cover some of the costs of spaying for neutering your dog up to your annual limit amount.

This add-on can help pet owners get support for spaying and neutering, and make it easier to handle the overall expenses. For more details on how MetLife Pet can help, get a free quote today for pet insurance with Preventive Care.