How Much Does Pet Spaying and Neutering Cost?
This guide covers typical US spay and neuter rates, what affects the bill, and how to compare veterinary quotes.
Price ranges for common jobs
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Cat neuter | Routine surgery for a male cat | $50 - $200 |
| Cat spay | Routine surgery for a female cat | $75 - $300 |
| Small dog neuter | Routine surgery for a small male dog | $100 - $350 |
| Large dog spay | Routine surgery for a large female dog | $300 - $700 |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What drives the cost up or down
The animal's species, sex, weight, age, and health all affect the fee. Spaying is usually more involved than neutering, and larger animals may need more anesthesia and medication. A clinic may charge more if the pet is in heat, pregnant, or has a condition that makes surgery more complex. Prices also vary by location and provider. Private veterinary hospitals often include exams, monitoring, pain relief, and follow-up care, while nonprofit clinics may offer lower-cost appointments with narrower services.
Ways to pay less
Ask what the quote includes, including the pre-surgery exam, bloodwork, anesthesia, pain medication, and any required cone or follow-up visit. Low-cost clinics, humane societies, and municipal programs may offer reduced fees; check eligibility and appointment availability before booking. Compare a few itemized quotes for the same services, and ask whether your pet's weight or health could change the estimate. Collecting quotes through Reedleys means every number comes from a real, checked listing.
Common cost questions
Not always. Ask for an itemized estimate showing whether preoperative tests, anesthesia, pain relief, and follow-up care are included.
Clinics differ in location, staffing, included services, and how they handle anesthesia and monitoring. The pet's size and medical needs can also change the procedure's complexity.
It may revise the estimate if an exam reveals a health concern or the procedure is more complex than expected. Ask the clinic to contact you for approval before adding non-emergency services.
Recognized Pet Spaying And Neutering businesses
Cat-only veterinary clinic in Phoenix offering feline medical, dental, boarding, and grooming care.
A Phoenix veterinary clinic for spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, and preventive care.
A San Antonio veterinary clinic offering spay and neuter surgery, dental care, and wellness services for pets.
A downtown San Diego veterinary hospital offering medical, preventive, dental, diagnostic, and surgical care for pets.
A San Diego veterinary hospital offering preventive, diagnostic, dental, surgical, and behavioral care for pets.
Jacksonville nonprofit providing low-cost veterinary care, spay and neuter services, and pet retention programs.
A veterinary hospital in South Charlotte caring for cats and dogs with medical, preventive, surgical, and boarding services.
Full-service veterinary clinic for cats and dogs in Portland's Pearl District.
A Memphis veterinary clinic providing medical, surgical, and dental care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
A primary care veterinary clinic in Albuquerque serving cats and dogs.