Does Spaying Cost More Than Neutering?

Spaying and neutering are the only ways to insure that pets do not produce unwanted litters of puppies or kittens. Most shelters and humane societies include the cost of spaying and neutering in their adoption fee. Otherwise, the cost of spaying and neutering varies by geographical region and the veterinarian who performs the procedure. Because spaying is usually a more involved surgical procedure than neutering, it often costs more.

  1. Spaying

    • Spaying is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made in the abdominal wall, the organs are removed and the incision is sutured. For both dogs and cats, the cost ranges between $50 to $175. Animals in heat cost $25 more and pregnant dogs and cats cost $50 to $125 more. However, some animal hospitals charge as much as $200 to $300 depending on the weight of the animal. Extra pain medications cost $10 to $30 more.

    Neutering

    • Neutering or castration is the removal of a dog's or cat's testicles through an incision made in the animal's scrotum. Neutering costs between $45 and $135. Owners of pedigreed dogs sometimes opt for testicular implants, which range in cost from $100 to $900. Extra pain medications cost $10 to $30 more.

    Benefits

    • Removal of the uterus and ovaries in females before the first heat reduces the chance of mammary cancer and infection. In males, the neutering procedure makes the animal better behaved and less likely to roam or mark territory. Males also have less testicular cancer.