How Much Does It Cost To Neuter A Dog

Dog overpopulation is a current problem that must be confronted. For responsible dog owners, the solution to this problem is neutering their dogs. In case of female dogs, the process is called spaying. Neutering/spaying is a process that involves the removal of testicles in male dogs and ovaries and uterus in females. This surgical procedure is not only beneficial for controlling dog population but also to improve the pet's health and behavior.

The best time to neuter or spay a dog is when it is 6 to 10 months old. But before you submit your dog to this procedure, it is important for you to know how much it costs to neuter a dog.

Typical Cost Of Neutering A Dog

The average cost of neutering a dog is around $50 to $170.

Some towns and cities have special neutering programs for dogs, which can make the price of neutering a lot lower. In programs like this, neutering or spaying a dog can only be priced around $15-$25. Private animal clinics, on the other hand, can make the price start at $150 to $300.

Included In The Price Of Neutering A Dog

The price of neutering or spaying a dog usually includes the following:

  • pre-neuter checkup
  • sedation
  • hospitalization
  • general anesthetic
  • surgical procedure
  • post-operative care
  • pain relief injections
  • antibiotic injections
  • post operative checkup
  • stitch removal (if needed) .

Consider These Factors

The cost of neutering or spaying a dog can be affected by several factors:

  • Size and weight of the dog. The bigger your dog is, the higher the cost can become. This is because of the anesthesia costs. The bigger the body is, the more shots it requires to ensure the best anesthetic effects. Also, bigger dogs are a lot harder to control than bigger ones during the procedure.

  • Geographic location of the clinic. Some clinics charge higher than others due to geographic locations. Areas with fewer vets practicing the procedure can price the surgery higher.

  • Age. The older your dog is, the higher the neutering cost is. This is because more complications can arise when neutering older dogs.

  • Dog breed. The price can also increase depending on your dog's breed as some breeds may require a special procedure. This is because some breeds can die of bleeding if they are not given a special neutering procedure.

  • Kind of procedure. The quoted average cost of neutering or spaying refers to traditional surgery. However, today, laser surgery is already available for this purpose. If you choose to submit your dog to this procedure instead of the conventional one, the cost can range from $150 to 500. This new technology is usually a better option because it is less painful than the traditional surgical method as well as decreases the chances of infections after the operation. .

Additional Costs

  • A dog that is in heat or obese can mean an extra pay during neutering or spaying. Vets performing the procedure can charge around $25 to $50 for situations like this.

  • If your dog is pregnant, the cost can increase too. Vets ask for an extra $50 or more for spaying procedures on pregnant dogs.

  • After care for the dog can add more to the cost as well. This is true especially for additional pain medications for your pet.

  • Blood tests prior to the surgery may also be requested by the vet to help prevent any kind of complication with regards to the procedure. This may cost you up to $50 extra.

Tips Before You Decide to Have your Dog Neutered or Spayed

Make sure to find a vet that is board certified to perform this kind of procedure. This is very important for the safety of your pet. Go to SpayUSA.org to locate a reliable clinic.

For affordable neutering or spaying prices, go to animal shelters or organizations near you. Through their subsidies, they can offer the procedure for less the price at around $50 or less. You may even find volunteer students that will do this procedure for free. However, take note to always remember the reliability and qualifications of whoever will be performing the procedure to your dog. ASPCA.org has an online database for low cost neuter programs all over the country.

Some areas may require pit bulls to be neutered according to their laws. This means that in these areas, you can get your pit bull neutered for free. Check out PBRC.net to find free and low cost programs for spaying or neutering pit bulls.