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How Much Does It Cost To Get My Dog Spayed
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How Much Does It Cost To Neuter A Dog In 2024?
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Spaying female dogs has health benefits and is an important method of reducing pet overpopulation, a problem that causes unwanted pets to be euthanized in shelters every year. Grooming has health benefits for female dogs, including significantly reducing the risk of cancer and uterine infections. According to our research, spaying and neutering a dog costs between $200 and $700.
While spaying and neutering is common and recommended by veterinarians, the procedure can be expensive. The steering group researched the cost of neutering for dogs and ways to make it more affordable for pet owners, including low-cost procedures and insurance coverage for pets.
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Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying Or Neutering?
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The cost of neutering your dog depends on several factors, including its age and size, where it is in its reproductive cycle, and the vet you choose to perform the procedure. Private veterinary clinics perform sterilization procedures every day. If you can’t afford a private practice, there may be shelters, humane societies, and low-cost clinics in your area that can offer surgery for a minimal fee. But keep in mind that to save costs and perform surgeries faster, low-cost clinics may use fewer safety measures.
According to Petco, spay and neuter procedures cost between $200 and $700. Spaying costs more than spaying because the vet has to work inside the mother’s womb, which takes more time and skill and requires a larger incision. At Banfield Pet Hospital, a national chain of veterinary hospitals, cosmetic surgery packages range from $450 to $700. Shelters and humane societies can set prices for procedures based on financial need and usually charge less than $150.
The Cost Of Owning A Dog In 2023
These services are often included in spay/neuter packages or offered separately at the veterinary clinic for an additional fee. Please note that costs vary by clinic and by type of pet. Low-cost clinics may offer similar services at a lower price. The following table contains typical costs for specific infertility services:
Grooming can have huge benefits for your dog’s health and behavior. Most importantly, it significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, the most common and deadliest cancer in dogs. Infection also eliminates the risk of uterine infections and erratic behavior during heat cycles.
Spaying is also important to prevent pet overpopulation because it prevents bitches from becoming pregnant with unwanted puppies that may end up in shelters or be euthanized.
The optimal age to spay female dogs depends on the breed and expected adult size. According to American Animal Hospital Association guidelines, you should spay dogs weighing less than 45 pounds as adults before their first heat cycle or when they are about five to six months old. This time reduces the risk of breast cancer from 23% to 34% to 0.5%.
How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Dog? Compare Your Options
For dogs weighing more than 45 pounds as adults, the time is more difficult. The risk of mammary cancer increases to 8% in dogs sprayed after the first heat than before the second and to 26% after the second heat.
However, orthopedic problems and urinary incontinence are more common in dogs that are neutered before they reach adult size. Vets must weigh the risks and benefits for each dog on a case-by-case basis.
Pet insurance can also reduce the cost of neutering your dog. Standard insurance plans do not cover sterilization because companies consider it an optional and planned procedure. The insurance usually only covers unexpected expenses, such as illness and injury. However, some insurance carriers allow policyholders to add coverage for wellness services, including sterilization, to an accident-only accident and sickness plan.
Health coverage differs from traditional pet insurance in that you can use the wellness benefits immediately after you sign up, rather than facing a waiting period or deductible. Health insurance coverage also differs from hospital wellness in that you can purchase services from your veterinarian in advance.
How Much Does It Cost To Neuter A Dog Or Puppy?
With health insurance, you pay for services at your vet’s office, submit a bill and claim form to your insurance company, and receive a reimbursement amount based on your policy. Most plans offer a one-time payment of $100 to $150 for spaying and neutering.
The exception to this is Embrace, which offers wellness plans that allow pet owners to spend a set amount on preventative services. With Embrace, pet owners can choose to use full sterilization. Other providers, such as Lemonade, Spot and Figo, tout the benefits of preventive services.
The table below shows our top recommendations for plans that cover sterilization and breaks down the average monthly cost based on the amount you receive for sterilization.
Let’s say your pet needs to be spayed and neutered and it would cost $450. With an 80% reimbursement rate, you would pay $90 out of pocket.
Dog Spaying And Neutering
Pet owners who bring a dog home and cannot afford spay and neuter surgery can receive financial assistance for the procedure. Find these groups in your community:
Recovery time after sterilization is 10 to 14 days. Puppies can regain energy within a day, but owners should limit their activity after surgery to prevent damage to the incisions. Take your dog outside on a leash and make sure he doesn’t run, jump or play during the entire recovery period.
Prescription sedatives can make energetic puppies easier to exercise and train. Your dog will go home with a collar or body suit to prevent licking and pain medication to ensure constant comfort. Pet owners should refrain from bathing their pets for at least 10 days after surgery or until the incision is completely healed.
Slight swelling or bruising at the surgical site is normal and should subside within a few days of surgery. Inspect the surgical site and notify your veterinarian if you notice persistent redness, discharge, foul odor, or increased swelling.
The Importance And Benefits Of Spaying And Neutering Dogs
Some animals react badly to the stitches or get an infection that can cause the incision to open. Treatment of post-operative complications, such as antibiotics or repeated suturing, can increase the cost of sterile surgical procedures.
Veterinarians recommend neutering dogs as it reduces the risk of mammary cancer and pyometra, a life-threatening infection that requires emergency surgery. Spaying reduces pet overpopulation, an ongoing problem.
While spaying and neutering your dog can cost anywhere from $200 to $700, compared to emergency pyometra surgery or cancer treatments that can cost thousands, spaying and neutering is the most cost-effective option. Local humane societies and low-cost clinics may offer financial assistance if you can’t afford the surgery. Affordable pet insurance and animal hospital health plans can work together to reduce the cost of owning a dog, including spaying and neutering.
The right time to neuter your dog depends on many things. Talk to your vet about the benefits of neutering and when surgery makes the most sense for your pet.
Spay & Neuter Clinic
Dr. Sarah Pruss, General Veterinarian
