Table Of Contents
- Most standard pet insurance policies do not cover spaying and neutering as they are considered part of preventative care
- You can add spay and neuter coverage to many pet insurance policies by enrolling in a wellness plan
- Wellness plans are optional add-ons that provide coverage for preventative care such as spaying and neutering as well as vaccines and routine vet check-ups
- With or without pet insurance, spaying and neutering is an important part of healthcare for your pet
Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying And Neutering?
Most standard pet insurance policies do not cover spaying and neutering. They only cover veterinary care needed due to an accident or illness. Spaying and neutering procedures are considered part of preventative care services, which are not covered.
Some pet insurance plans offer options to add on additional coverage for preventative care services such as spaying and neutering in what’s known as wellness plans.
In addition to spaying and neutering, wellness plans help cover things like annual veterinary check-ups, vaccines, and health screenings.
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Which Pet Insurance Covers Spaying And Neutering?
There are several pet insurance companies that offer wellness plan add-ons with spay and neuter coverage. Here are some of the most popular:
| Pet Insurance | Average Cost of Monthly Wellness Plan with Spay and Neuter Coverage | Average Reimbursement for Spaying and Neutering |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCA | $25 | $150 |
| Embrace | $18 | $250 |
| Figo | $10 to $17 | $40 to $75 |
| Lemonade | $13 to $18 | $120 |
| Pets Best | $26 | $150 |
| Spot | $25 | $150 |
Is It Worth It To Get Pet Insurance For Spaying Or Neutering?
Adding a wellness plan to your pet insurance can be a great way to help cover your pet’s preventative care expenses, including their spay or neuter. Depending on which plan you choose, you could save up to a few hundred dollars on the procedure.
Since wellness plans cover much more than spaying and neutering, you’ll also be saving on their routine vet check-ups, vaccines, health screenings, and more. Overall, wellness plans can be a worthwhile investment for your pet’s health care.
How Much Should You Expect To Spend For Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet?
The cost to spay or neuter your pet can range anywhere from $50 to $500 and in some cases even more. Prices are not only based on the surgery itself but on anesthesia and drug costs. Typically, the larger the animal, the higher the cost of the procedure.
Other factors that will determine cost include the type of pet (cat vs dog), the type of procedure (spay for a female vs neuter for a male), and the type of veterinary clinic performing the procedure. Overall, spays typically cost more than neuters as it is a much more complex procedure.
Spaying And Neutering Costs For Dogs
The average cost to spay a female dog ranges from $150 to $500, while the average cost to neuter a male dog ranges from $100 to $350.
Spaying And Neutering Costs For Cats
The average cost to spay a female cat ranges from $150 to $300, while the average cost to neuter a male cat ranges from $50 to $150.
Low-Cost Spaying And Neutering
Low-cost spaying and neutering may be available through your local animal shelter or Humane Society. Some local government agencies also offer special programs for low-cost spaying and neutering to help prevent pet overpopulation.
Why Should You Spay Or Neuter Your Pet?
Spaying or neutering your pet can not only help prevent pet overpopulation, it also has several benefits for your pet’s health and well-being. Spayed or neutered pets have a lower risk of common reproductive health conditions including testicular cancer in males and mammary cancer and uterine infections in females.
There are also behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering your pets. Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to roam or try to run away (to find a mate). They are also less likely to display aggressive behavior or territorial urine marking.
Lastly, spaying and neutering your pet ensures they are not contributing to the pet overpopulation problem. Sadly, millions of pets are euthanized in shelters across the US each year simply due to space. There are more pets awaiting adoption than there are available homes. Spaying and neutering helps prevent more homeless pets.
When Is The Best Time To Get Your Pet Spayed Or Neutered?
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends that most pets should be spayed or neutered between 5 and 6 months of age. However, there are exceptions. Some recommendations for larger breed dogs indicate waiting until their growth plates close, typically between 9 to 15 months. If you’ve recently adopted a new puppy or kitten, have a discussion with your veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter them.
Does Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet Lower Your Pet Insurance Cost?
Having your pet spayed or neutered may lower your pet insurance premiums. This is highly dependent on the individual company and how they calculate premiums but overall, insurance companies consider risk factors and intact pets can be considered higher risk.
Intact males are more likely to roam or display aggression making them susceptible to getting into fights with other animals or being hit by a car. Intact females have a higher risk of developing certain cancers or a serious uterine infection known as pyometra that often needs emergency surgery.
All of these factors will likely be taken into consideration by your insurance company when setting premiums.
Further reading? See our full article here on how much does pet insurance costs.
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