Spay and neuter cost
Low-cost and nonprofit clinics are often far cheaper than full-service practices.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 6 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Published price, median of 190 practices | $340 (most $200–$548) | [1] |
| Low-cost clinic median | $170 | [1] |
| Dog spay (Pawlicy) | $400–$800 | [2] |
| Cat neuter (Pawlicy) | $50–$400 | [2] |
| ASPCA planning figure | $300 dog / $150 cat | [3] |
| Dog Spaying: typical owner bill (13 bills) | $300–$1,200 | [4] |
| Dog Neutering: typical owner bill (17 bills) | $275–$675 | [5] |
| Cat Spay & Neuter: typical owner bill (20 bills) | $275–$800 | [6] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- The kind of clinic Low-cost nonprofit clinics charge $50–$150. Full-service vets charge $300–$700 or more. [4]
- Your dog’s size A 90-pound dog needs two to three times the anesthesia of a 15-pound dog, and the surgery takes longer. [4]
- Age Puppies under 6 months are the simpler surgery. [4]
- In heat, pregnant or overweight These make the surgery longer and more involved, and the bill higher. [4]
- Keyhole (laparoscopic) spay It uses smaller cuts and costs $1,500–$2,500. [4]
- An undescended testicle It needs abdominal surgery, which brings the bill to $500–$1,200. [5]
- Age and health Young healthy dogs are the simpler surgery. Older dogs can need extra monitoring. [5]
📍 Regional note
- Where you live Expensive areas charge more. [4]
Ways to save
- Look for a low-cost spay clinic Shelters and nonprofits charge $50–$150. Search your city’s name with “low-cost spay”, or check the ASPCA’s list. [4]
- Ask about a spay voucher Many cities give $50–$100 off. Your local animal control or Humane Society will know. [4]
- Ask if blood work is in the quote It runs $50–$150. Some quotes include it and some bill it on top. [4]
- Ask two or three practices for an itemized estimate The surgery fee is often similar. Anesthesia and blood work charges are where quotes differ. [4]
- Ask about a puppy package Some vets bundle the spay with vaccines and a microchip at a discount. [4]
- Ask if the price changes when a dog is in heat Vets charge more then, because the surgery takes longer. Ask your vet about timing. [4]
- Look for a low-cost neuter clinic They charge $50–$150. Search your city’s name with “low-cost neuter”, or check the ASPCA’s list. [5]
- Ask about a neuter voucher Many cities give $50–$100 off. Your local animal control or Humane Society will know. [5]
Questions to ask your vet
Print this or bring it on your phone.
Common questions
Where can I find a cheaper spay or neuter?
Low-cost and nonprofit clinics had a median published price of $170 versus $340 at regular practices (PawsRx).
Is spaying more expensive than neutering?
Usually yes, because spaying is a more involved abdominal surgery.
How much does it cost to spay a dog?
Based on 13 real vet invoices, the total cost to spay a dog typically falls between $300 and $1,200. This includes everything on the bill — surgery, anesthesia, blood work, medications, and follow-up. At a full-service vet, expect $300–$700 for a standard spay. Low-cost clinics and shelters charge $50–$150 for the same procedure. (Source: VetReceipt)
Why is spaying more expensive than neutering?
Spaying is an abdominal surgery — the vet opens the abdomen to remove the ovaries and uterus. Neutering is a simpler external procedure with a smaller incision. Spays take longer (30–90 minutes vs. 10–20 for a neuter), require more anesthesia, and need more post-operative monitoring. This means higher costs for surgery time, anesthesia drugs, and staff labor. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much more does it cost to spay a large dog?
Dog size significantly impacts spay cost. Larger dogs need more anesthesia, larger surgical fields, more suture material, and longer monitoring time. Expect to pay $200–$400 more for a giant breed (90+ lbs) versus a small dog (under 25 lbs) at the same clinic. Based on VetReceipt's data, the size premium is one of the biggest cost drivers. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does it cost to neuter a dog?
Based on 17 real vet invoices, neutering a dog typically costs between $275 and $675 including the surgery, anesthesia, and medications. At a full-service vet, expect $200–$500. Low-cost clinics charge $50–$150 for the same procedure. Neutering is generally less expensive than spaying because it's a simpler, external surgery. (Source: VetReceipt)
Why does neutering cost more for larger dogs?
Dog size is the biggest cost driver. Based on VetReceipt's data, small dogs (under 25 lbs) have a typical neuter bill of about $325, while larger dogs cost significantly more. Larger dogs require more anesthesia (the single most expensive variable), higher doses of pain medication, longer procedure times, and more surgical supplies. Expect to pay $150–$300 more for a large breed compared to a small breed at the same clinic. (Source: VetReceipt)
Is neutering cheaper than spaying?
Yes. Neutering (castration) is a simpler, faster surgery than spaying — it's an external procedure with a smaller incision, typically taking 10–20 minutes vs. 30–90 minutes for a spay. Less anesthesia time and simpler surgical technique mean lower costs. At the same clinic, a neuter is usually $50–$200 less than a spay. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat?
Based on 20 real invoices, cat spay/neuter typically costs between $275 and $800. At a full-service vet: spaying (females) $200–$400, neutering (males) $100–$250. At low-cost clinics: spaying $50–$100, neutering $30–$80. Cats are generally cheaper to spay/neuter than dogs because they're smaller. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does cat spay cost vs cat neuter?
Neutering a male cat is about 40–50% cheaper than spaying a female. At a full-service vet: neuter $100–$250, spay $200–$400. At a low-cost clinic: neuter $30–$80, spay $50–$100. The difference is because spaying is an abdominal surgery (more complex) while neutering is an external procedure (simpler, faster). (Source: VetReceipt)
Related guides
Sources
- PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
- Pawlicy Advisor – Vet visit cost 2026 (cites AVMA)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- VetReceipt – Dog Spaying Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Neutering Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Spay & Neuter Cost (owner bills, 2026)
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