How Much Should I Pay for Spaying or Neutering?
- Having your pet spayed or neutered at your veterinarian's office is the more expensive option. Depending on the pet (cat or dog) and size of the pet, the cost can range from about $45 for a cat to $300 for a large dog according to a 2010 Cost Helper report. According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, the benefits of getting a spay or neuter at a regular veterinarian's office includes the use of safer (but more expensive) anesthesia, advanced medical equipment and more staff.
- Low cost clinics, whether through a local animal shelter or other nonprofit organization, can cost 50 to 75 percent less than a full service veterinarian. However, you also get fewer services. The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center reports low cost clinics "use cheaper materials for suture and anesthesia...and may not have state of the art monitoring equipment or capabilities in case of emergency."
- Spaying and neutering has many health and behavior benefits and few risks, states the American Veterinary Medical Association. These include reducing the risk of cancer in females and preventing dog bites. Because of the benefits of this surgery, you should get the surgery done any way you can. If you can only afford a low cost clinic, then pay the low cost price which may range from about $10 to $150 depending on your region, pet type and services available.
