Eric Stauffer

Licensed Insurance Agent

Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Tracey L. Wells

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024

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Overview

  • The cost to spay a dog at a traditional veterinarian’s office could be approximately $400, including the fees for veterinary visits, exams, testing, medications, and more
  • You may be able to receive financial assistance or take advantage of low-cost spay/neuter programs from clinics or shelters that provide spay surgeries for $50-$150
  • Spaying your dog can help with behavioral issues, health problems, and unwanted pregnancies
  • Pet insurance doesn’t typically cover the cost to spay your dog, but the insurer may offer wellness plan add-on coverage that could cover a spay/neuter surgery plus more

Getting your dog spayed is a routine surgery that can help make it’s life healthier and more comfortable. Spaying also reduces the population of stray dogs or puppies in shelters. However, the cost of getting your dog spayed can limit some families’ ability to move forward with the operation. 

How much does it cost to spay a dog? The prices will vary based on a few different factors, but they are primarily determined by where you choose to get your dog fixed. For example, a traditional veterinarian’s office will be more expensive than a shelter or clinic.

Read more below to learn about the cost of spaying a dog and how to get help paying for the surgery.

If you are looking for pet insurance to help cover the cost of spaying your dog or other veterinary care, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to find a pet insurance company near you.

How much does it cost to spay a dog?

Let’s begin by looking at the average cost of some common veterinary services:

Average Cost of Vet Visits and Common Vet Care
Type of Vet CareAverage Cost
Vet Check Up$50 - $250
Spay or Neuter$160 - $220
Vaccination$15 - $28
Physical Exam$45- $55
Fecal Exam $25 - $45
Heartworm Test$45 - $50
Dental Cleaning$70 - $400
Allergy Testing$195 - $300
Geriatric Screening$85 - $110

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According to the table above, the average cost of a spay or neuter surgery is $160-$220. However, this doesn’t take into account any additional fees associated with the operation. The expense of spaying your dog could vary based on your location, the type of office you select for the surgery, and your dog’s breed and health. (For example, larger dogs will cost more than smaller dogs.)

You will likely have to pay for an initial veterinary visit and exam. You may also need to ensure that your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations, which could cost between $15 and $65 each, depending on the type of vaccine. 

If the surgery is not routine, you could also end up paying for additional testing and care costs, as well as prescriptions. 

How much does it cost to spay a dog at a veterinary office? Overall, the cost of fixing a dog at a traditional veterinarian’s office could total about $400. Fortunately, there are ways to save on the cost of the surgery.

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.

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Can I get financial assistance to spay a dog?

There are many places where you can find free or reduced-price spay and neuter surgeries. For example, there may be permanent clinic locations in your area, or you may also be able to find a temporary spay/neuter event. 

Shelters and non-profit organizations may provide spay or neuter surgeries for $50-$150, but you may need to supply proof of your income or other financial assistance. Some locations may also perform surgeries paid for by donations. Therefore, you would not need to pay anything.

Mobile clinics are those that have spay/neuter events for a limited time (usually a weekend), before they move to another location. Depending on the organization, they may charge between $50-$100.

While the surgery itself should be the same quality as what you’d receive at a private veterinarian’s office, you may want to consider the fact that your pet is unlikely to get the same one-on-one care. For example, a shelter or clinic won’t typically keep your pet afterward for overnight monitoring.

If you want to find a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in your area, the Humane Society offers a free search tool. 

What are the benefits of spaying a dog?

There are a few advantages to spaying your dog. For example, spayed female dogs are likely to live longer. In addition, the surgery can prevent health problems, such as mammary tumors and uterine infections. 

Having your female dog spayed may also prevent the behavioral issues associated with going into heat, which can be more comfortable for the dog and the rest of your family.

Most importantly, spaying your dog can prevent unwanted pregnancies. Dogs are naturally inclined to breed, leading to an overpopulation of canines. Unwanted or unexpected puppies may not be able to find homes, leading families to abandon or surrender them to a shelter.

Does pet insurance cover the cost of spaying a dog?

In general, pet insurance doesn’t cover the cost of spaying a dog because it is typically an elective surgery. However, some pet insurance companies will offer wellness plans or additional coverage that will cover spaying. Below is a list of some wellness plans and their prices:

Companies that Provide Add-On Coverage for Spay/Neuter Surgery with Prices
CompanyAdd-On Wellness Plan Rates
ASPCA$9.95 - $24.95
Embrace$18.75, $35.42, $52.09
Pets Best$26.00
Prudent Pet$11.95, $19.95, $29.95
Spot$9.95 - $24.95

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You may want to keep in mind that you cannot purchase some of these wellness plans individually. Instead, you can only buy the plan with an existing pet insurance policy. However, wellness plans can sometimes be a good investment since they cover veterinary visits, exams, and preventative services. 

If you need to find pet insurance with a wellness plan that will cover the cost of spaying a dog, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to compare pet insurance rates from multiple companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to spay a dog?

The cost to spay a dog varies based on location, the chosen facility, and the dog’s breed and health. Traditional veterinarians may charge around $400, while clinics and shelters can range from $50 to $150. Low-cost options or wellness plans may also be available to help cover the cost.

Can I get financial assistance to spay a dog?

Yes, financial assistance for spaying a dog is available. Permanent clinics, temporary spay/neuter events, shelters, and non-profit organizations may offer reduced-price surgeries. Mobile clinics may charge between $50-$100. The Humane Society provides a free search tool to find low-cost spay/neuter clinics in your area.

What are the benefits of spaying a dog?

Spaying offers various benefits, including a longer life for female dogs, prevention of health issues like mammary tumors and uterine infections, and avoidance of behavioral problems related to heat cycles. Most importantly, spaying helps control the canine population, preventing unwanted puppies.

Does pet insurance cover the cost of spaying a dog?

Generally, pet insurance does not cover elective surgeries like spaying. However, some companies offer wellness plans or additional coverage that includes spaying. Wellness plans can be purchased alongside a pet insurance policy and cover veterinary visits, exams, and preventative services.

How much does it cost to spay a dog at a veterinary office?

The cost of spaying a dog at a traditional veterinarian’s office is typically around $400. However, various factors such as location, type of office, and additional fees can influence the overall cost.

How much does the average spay or neuter surgery cost?

According to available data, the average cost of a spay or neuter surgery is $160-$220. However, additional fees for veterinary visits, exams, vaccinations, and other factors can contribute to the overall expense.

How can I find a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in my area?

The Humane Society offers a free search tool to help find low-cost spay/neuter clinics in your area. Additionally, permanent clinics, temporary events, shelters, non-profit organizations, and mobile clinics may provide affordable options.

Does pet insurance cover the cost of spaying a dog?

Pet insurance usually doesn’t cover spaying as it is considered an elective surgery. However, some pet insurance companies offer wellness plans or additional coverage options that include spaying. These plans may be bundled with an existing pet insurance policy.