Spaying a dog is a more complex process than neutering. It requires a lot of time, medications, and care. The average cost of spaying a dog can easily range from $300 to $800.
Yes, it is costly but keep in mind that it’s a critical surgery process.
Usually, the cost of spaying a dog includes all the things that neutering costs also cover. But, there is the extra cost of any emergencies; then there’s vital monitoring, stitches, ointments or creams for the cut, and the check-up afterward.
★ How much does it cost to have a puppy neutered?
Puppies cannot be neutered until they reach a certain age and weight. As we mentioned before, the costs can vary depending on many factors, such as:
- Gender
- Age
- Weight
- Health
- The procedure
- Location
- The facility
To give you an idea, private facilities usually charge more and provide lots of benefits with it. They may also offer post-checkups without any additional fees.
On the other hand, government facilities provide spay or neuter services at a very reasonable price. The facility tries to provide good service and have excellent veterinarians, but they cannot offer as many benefits as private ones.
Animal shelters are also reasonable and trustable facilities. Facilities like “Seattle Animal Shelter” have reasonable fees for every pet and take a lot of care of them.
Most people get confused while using spaying or neutering terms. It also happens to us!
Let’s know the terms together.
- Male pets are neutered. It means removing both the testicles along with their connected structures. They lose their capacity to produce.
- Female pets are spayed. In this procedure, the ovaries and sometimes the uterus is also removed, rendering the female unable to give birth.
Phew! Those are some heavy meanings. The idea of spaying or neutering your pet can be terrifying or easily acceptable to you. But don’t feel terrified! Veterinarians recommend that we all bring our pets in for the procedure at the appropriate age.
How Much Does it Cost to Neuter a Dog?
The cost of neutering a dog can vary from place to place. It also depends on the dog’s gender, weight, and age. Still, if you are wondering about the average cost to neuter a dog, it’s $100 to $600.
Usually, the cost of neutering includes:
- Preoperative blood tests
- Pre-Anesthesia medications
- IV catheter
- IV fluid supply
- Anesthesia medication
- The surgery
- Post-operative pain medication
- Post-operative checkups
How Much Is It To Spay A Dog at PetSmart?
PetSmart is one of the front liners of pet care services. But do you know PetSmart doesn’t have any spaying/neutering services? They have a contract with Banfield Pet Hospital, where all the procedures are performed.
So the hovering question is, “How much is it to spay a dog at PetSmart?” The cost can range from $450 to $550, excluding office visits and additional charges.
Let’s look at the different care packages that PetSmart (through Banfield) offers.
| Care Package Name | Age/Weight Indication | Service Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Neuter Package | Males Under 6 months | $385 |
| Neuter Package | Males Over 6 months | $449 |
| Spay Package | Females Over 6 Months/Under 50 Pounds | $473 |
| Spay Package | Females Over 6 Months/Over 50 Pounds | $542 |
| Spay Package | Females Under 6 Months | $411 |
★ Additional costs:
1. Office visits- $58
2. Office visits with an extra pet- $45
Banfield Pet Hospital also has other monthly packages that help people pay throughout the year. It also includes some excellent services they provide.
The packages are:
???? The Optimum Wellness Package for Puppies
???? The Early Care Plus Package
???? The Dog Wellness Package
PetSmart also has Care Credit payment options. If you don’t know what it is, let us give you a brief.
Care Credit provides pet owners the benefit of affording healthcare services for their cats, dogs, birds, etc. It can be used for routine and emergency services. You can easily pay for veterinary visits, neutering/spaying, dental care, surgery, emergency care, and diagnosis in Banfield Pet Hospital using care credit. But, you can only use it to pay for health care services and not retail purchases.
Bonus Read!
The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
| Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Medical | 1. It helps pets live a longer and healthier life. 2. Infections, reproductive tract cancer, and breast tumors can be prevented in female pets. 3. Testicular cancer and prostate problems can be prevented in male pets. |
| Behavioral | 4. Pets won’t yowl and urinate all over the place. 5. Mood swings won’t happen often. 6. Pets won’t tend to run away from the house |
| Economical | 7. In the long term, your pets won’t have serious illnesses such as cancers or tumors, which will save money. 8. Cost-effective than raising a litter. |
| Ethical | 9. Overpopulation usually causes pet homelessness which will be reduced. |
When Can You Spay a Dog?
The age to spay/neuter your dog depends on its breed type and sex. You can ask your breeders for more details on our pup and visit a veterinarian to get more insight about the proper time of the procedure suited for your dog.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the best time to spay/neuter your dog:
- For a toy or a small dog breed weighing less than 45 pounds as adults need to be spayed/neutered at 6 to 9 months of age.
- Larger or giant dog breeds weigh over 45 pounds as adults need to wait until they finish growing at 9 to 18 months of age.
Bonus Benefit: The earlier the procedures, the better it is for the veterinarian and your lovely dog.
All About SNAP
Spay Neuter Action Project/Spay Neuter Assistance Program is a service provided to pet owners who cannot afford to pay for neutering services. It is a cost-friendly service that you can access in many states. Although the services will be in your budget, you must understand that the fees vary from state to state.
But SNAP is not like your regular private pet clinics, where you can just set an appointment and get the service. To be able to use SNAP, you have to be eligible. This eligibility depends on mainly two factors: Household size and Household income. Different organizations have different requirements. For example, the eligibility chart of the Pet-Friendly Services of Indiana and SNAP Sandiego differs a lot from one another. Even their prices vary due to being in different states.
If you are eligible, you have to apply for SNAP services by submitting proper income-related documents. They will inspect your request and either decline or accept it. Later, they will provide you with a certificate to use for their services.
Bottom Line…
Yes! Spaying or neutering your dog can be expensive. You may not want to do it. But, it will offer your dog a healthier lifestyle. To reduce your expense, we have also mentioned many reasonable options you can choose from.
The only thing you should know is that it’s for your beloved pet’s own good. If you can’t afford to raise a litter, it’s better not to get them.
So, find what’s suitable for you or contact your nearby clinic to know more details because your pet’s health is the real wealth!
