Spaying or neutering a cat or dog typically costs about $50 to $200 at a low-cost clinic or shelter program, and roughly $200 to $800 or more at a private veterinary practice, depending on the animal's size, sex, age and your location. Spaying (for females) usually costs more than neutering (for males), and large dogs cost more than cats or small dogs. Many communities offer free or voucher-based surgeries for pets of qualifying owners and for community cats.
Prices vary a great deal by region and provider, so treat the ranges below as a starting point and ask local clinics for current quotes.
Typical price ranges
| Animal and procedure | Low-cost clinic or shelter | Private veterinary clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Cat neuter (male) | About $40 to $100 | About $150 to $400 |
| Cat spay (female) | About $50 to $150 | About $200 to $500 |
| Dog neuter, small to medium | About $60 to $200 | About $200 to $600 |
| Dog spay, small to medium | About $75 to $250 | About $250 to $700 |
| Dog spay or neuter, large or giant | About $100 to $300+ | About $400 to $1,000+ |
| Community cat through TNR | Free to about $50 | Not typical |
These are broad, hedged ranges based on typical published prices; your area may be higher or lower. Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living tend to be at the upper end.
What affects the price
- Sex. Spay surgery opens the abdomen to remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, so it takes longer than a neuter.
- Size and weight. Larger dogs need more anesthesia, more time and more supplies.
- Age. Very young or older animals may need extra monitoring or blood work.
- Heat or pregnancy. Spaying a pet that is in heat or pregnant usually costs more.
- Health conditions. Retained testicles (cryptorchidism), hernias or obesity can add to the cost.
- What is included. Pre-surgical blood work, IV fluids, pain medication, a cone, and follow-up visits may be included or charged separately.
- Location and type of provider. Private practices offer more individualized care and usually charge more. Nonprofit clinics focus on high-volume, high-quality surgery at lower cost.
What is usually included
Ask each clinic what its price covers. A typical package may include:
- Pre-surgical exam
- Anesthesia and monitoring
- The surgery itself
- Pain medication during and after surgery
- An e-collar (cone)
- A recheck or suture removal if needed
Optional add-ons often include pre-anesthetic blood work, a microchip, vaccines, nail trims and flea treatment. Low-cost clinics may require a rabies vaccine at the time of surgery if your pet is not current.
Where to find low-cost spay and neuter
- Dedicated nonprofit clinics. Browse low-cost spay and neuter providers in our directory.
- Humane societies and SPCAs. Many run public clinics or offer vouchers.
- Public shelters and animal control. Some offer low-cost surgeries or vouchers, sometimes funded by pet licensing fees.
- Mobile clinics that visit underserved neighborhoods on set days.
- State programs. Some states fund spay/neuter assistance programs for low-income owners.
- National programs. The ASPCA and other national groups support low-cost clinics and keep online lists of programs.
Use the near me page to see options around you. Low-cost clinics often book weeks ahead, especially in spring, so call early.
Free and income-based programs
Many programs offer free or reduced-cost surgery if you receive public assistance (such as SNAP, Medicaid or WIC), have income below a certain level, own certain breeds or live in a targeted ZIP code. Trap-neuter-return programs often spay or neuter outdoor community cats for free or a small fee and ear-tip them so they are recognizable. See found a stray cat for how TNR works.
Is adopting cheaper than paying for surgery?
Often, yes. Most shelter and rescue adoption fees already include spay or neuter, vaccines and a microchip, which together can cost more than the fee at a private clinic. See pet adoption fees explained.
When to spay or neuter
Timing is a medical decision. Many shelters spay and neuter kittens and puppies before adoption, often at around 8 weeks old or 2 pounds, which is supported by veterinary organizations for shelter animals. For pet dogs, especially large breeds, some veterinarians recommend waiting longer based on breed and health. Ask your vet what they recommend for your pet.
Recovery and aftercare
Most pets go home the same day. Typical aftercare includes keeping the pet calm and indoors, preventing licking with a cone, checking the incision daily and avoiding baths for about 10 to 14 days. Follow your clinic's instructions and call them if you see swelling, discharge, bleeding or lethargy.