Table of Contents
- A neuter is a common surgical procedure performed on male dogs to sterilize them
- In addition to preventing unwanted breeding, neutering a dog has several health and behavioral benefits
- The cost to neuter a dog can range anywhere from $50 to $500 based on a dog’s age, weight, health status, and where the procedure is being performed
- Pet insurance typically doesn’t cover neutering unless you have a wellness add-on, but there are affordable options
What Is A Neuter?
A neuter, also sometimes referred to as an orchiectomy or castration, is a routine veterinary procedure performed on male dogs for sterilization purposes. This is done by anesthetizing the animal and surgically removing the testicles. It’s a very common procedure with most dogs having an easy recovery and going home the same day.
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Why Neuter A Dog?
In addition to preventing unwanted breeding and contributing to the pet overpopulation crisis, neutering a dog has several health and behavioral benefits. Dogs that are neutered have a much lower risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate-related health conditions. They can also be less likely to display aggressive or territorial urine-marking behaviors or have the drive to roam or escape (for the purpose of finding a mate).
How Much Does It Cost To Neuter A Dog?
The cost of neutering a dog can range anywhere from $50 to $500 but averages tend to fall more in the $100 to $350 range. There are several factors that will influence the cost of a neuter including the dog’s:
- Age
- Breed
- Size/weight
- Health
- Type of veterinary hospital
- Location
How These Factors Affect The Cost Of Neutering Your Dog
The cost to neuter a dog can vary so widely because not all dogs are the same breed, age, or size, or have the same risk factors for anesthesia. There are also many different factors that influence local veterinary prices.
Larger dogs typically cost more to neuter as they’ll require more anesthesia, drugs, surgery time, etc. Older dogs, brachycephalic breeds, or dogs with health conditions can also be costlier to neuter due to anesthesia risks. They may need special handling, additional tests and monitoring, overnight hospitalization, or may even need to be referred to a specialist in some cases.
Your location and veterinary hospital can also affect cost. Veterinary services in small towns are usually cheaper than those in big cities like New York or Miami. Similarly, small clinics, low-cost spay and neuter operations, and shelters typically have lower prices than larger, specialized veterinary practices. This can be due to operating costs, different surgical standards and equipment, and the fact that many low-cost clinics run on donations and volunteers.
How To Save Money On Your Dog’s Neuter
With a little planning, there are a few ways you can save on your dog’s neuter.
Check Your Pet Insurance Policy
If you have a wellness plan, be sure to check your benefits for neutering coverage. Some plans include outright coverage for neutering and others offer a set amount you can use yearly by choosing from a list of preventative care services.
Shop Around
Neutering prices can vary across veterinary hospitals. If you live in a higher-cost-of-living area and can make the drive, sometimes vet clinics as little as 30 minutes away can have lower prices. Some also offer special deals for new clients, new puppy packages, and other promotions. There are also low-cost clinics and shelter programs that can assist in low-income situations.
If price is a big determining factor for you, call around to get a few quotes and inquire about promotions. Just be sure to ask questions about how the procedure will be performed and what tests and monitoring are included to make sure you are comfortable with the level of care your pet will receive.
Neuter Early
Neutering your dog earlier in life has lots of advantages — one of them being it might save you money. Younger dogs tend to have fewer underlying conditions that could carry anesthesia risks. Because weight can also affect cost, some puppies may cost less to neuter than their adult counterparts. Lastly, you may save money on other types of vet visits if your unneutered dog starts trying to escape in search of a mate.
Deciding when to neuter your dog? The American Animal Hospital Association recommends that dogs under 45 pounds be neutered at 6 months of age and larger dogs between 9 and 15 months — but, always consult your veterinarian on your pet’s needs!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s The Difference Between Spay vs. Neuter?
Neutering and spaying are both procedures that are used to sterilize dogs, the difference comes down to the sex of the dog in question. Neutering is the procedure that is performed on male dogs — to remove the testicles. Spaying is the procedure that is performed on female dogs — to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Neutering?
Most standard pet insurance plans (accident and illness plans) do not cover neutering as that falls under the preventative care category. However, there are some pet insurance providers that offer neutering coverage by way of a wellness plan add-on.
Does Neutering Your Dog Lower Your Pet Insurance Premiums?
It definitely can — neutered dogs may have lower pet insurance premiums. When setting premiums, pet insurers evaluate any risk factors that may increase future claims. Neutered pets typically have fewer risk factors when it comes to certain medical conditions, as well as their risk factors for accidents. Intact male dogs can be more prone to running away, getting into fights with other dogs, or being hit by a car while in search of a mate.
Are There Any Low-Cost Options For Neutering A Dog?
Yes — in most areas, you can find low-cost neutering options. These are typically offered through non-profit organizations, local shelters, or county programs. In some cases, you may need to apply and show proof of income to qualify, while others offer low-cost neuter services to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
To find low-cost neuter services in your area, reach out to your local animal shelter. If they don’t offer these services, they’ll likely be able to direct you to somewhere that does. You can also search national databases online through websites like Pet Help Finder.
Can I Get A Payment Plan For My Dog’s Neuter?
Most veterinary hospitals do not offer payment plans; however, there are options like Care Credit and other third-party lenders that offer veterinary financing. You can often apply for these online or in your vet’s office. When utilizing these types of lenders, pay close attention to the interest rates and stipulations. In some cases, it may be better to plan ahead and save up for your pet’s neuter rather than accrue large amounts of interest.
Find out more
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? – Evaluating the necessity and value of pet insurance.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – A breakdown of pet insurance costs for informed decisions.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – Explore and compare different pet insurance providers.
- Pet Dental Insurance – Importance and benefits of dental coverage for pets.
- Accident-Only Pet Insurance – Understanding the coverage for accidents.
- Are Wellness Plans Worth It? – Evaluating the advantages of wellness plans in pet insurance.
- Embrace Review – In-depth analysis of Embrace’s pet insurance offerings.
- Fetch by the Dodo Review – Comprehensive review of Fetch by the Dodo’s services.
