How much does it cost to spay a dog?

CareCredit's 2025 cost study reports a $455 national average with a $361 to $829 range. Subsidized clinics can be far lower; Webvet's July 2026 range starts at $50.

How much does it cost to neuter a cat?

Cat neuters sit at the low end of the published $50 to $500 range (Webvet, July 2026) because the surgery is short and cats are small. Many non-profit clinics price it under $100; confirm what is included.

Is spaying more expensive than neutering?

Often slightly, because a spay is abdominal surgery, but CareCredit's 2025 national averages ($455 spay, $487 neuter) show clinic pricing varies more than the procedure itself.

At what age should a pet be spayed or neutered?

Timing depends on species, breed and size, and veterinary guidance has become more individualized for large-breed dogs. Ask your vet what they recommend for your pet.

Vet costs

How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog or cat?

Spay and neuter pricing spans a huge range because the same surgery is offered by private hospitals, non-profit clinics and municipal programs. Here are the published 2026 averages and the questions that explain why two quotes can differ by hundreds of dollars.

By the PetVitale editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10-19 · Sources listed below

The short answer

CareCredit's 2025 cost study reports a $455 national average to spay a dog ($361 to $829) and $487 to neuter ($385 to $885).
Webvet's July 2026 range for either surgery is $50 to $500, with the low end from subsidized clinics.
The biggest price drivers are the pet's weight, whether bloodwork and pain medication are bundled, and clinic type.

Spay and neuter cost

Published U.S. figures
Procedure	National average	Typical range	Source
Dog spay	$455	$361 – $829	CareCredit / ASQ360 2025
Dog neuter	$487	$385 – $885	CareCredit / ASQ360 2025
Dog or cat, any provider	—	$50 – $500	Webvet, Jul 2026

How to read these numbers: they are national estimates published by the sources below, not PetVitale data. Your clinic's price depends on your city, your pet's size and age, what the quote bundles (exam, bloodwork, anesthesia, pain relief) and whether you use a non-profit or low-cost program. Ask for a written estimate before you book.

Why quotes differ so much

Weight: anesthesia and medication are dosed by body weight, so a large-breed dog costs more than a cat.
Spay vs neuter: a spay is abdominal surgery and usually takes longer, although CareCredit's 2025 averages show the two close together.
What is bundled: pre-surgical bloodwork, IV fluids, pain relief to take home and an e-collar are itemized at some clinics and included at others.
Clinic type: non-profit and municipal programs subsidize the surgery to reduce shelter intake.
Age and condition: a pet in heat, pregnant or overweight raises surgical time and price.

Finding a low-cost spay or neuter program

Humane societies, SPCA chapters, municipal animal services and veterinary school clinics commonly run reduced-cost programs, sometimes with income requirements. Search your city or county name with "low cost spay neuter" and call to confirm what is included, because a low base price may exclude pain medication or bloodwork.

Recovery and follow-up

Most pets go home the same day with instructions to restrict activity for about 10 to 14 days; follow your clinic's specific guidance.
Keep the discharge sheet and any medication schedule; a photo in your pet's record is enough.
Watch the incision daily and call the clinic about swelling, discharge or an opened wound.

Questions pet parents ask

Sources

Dog spay and neuter cost — CareCredit (Synchrony / ASQ360 2025 cost study), updated June 19, 2026
How much does a vet visit cost? — Webvet, reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS MRCVS, July 2026

Puppy health guide Kitten health guide Medication schedule toolPost-surgery pain relief doses, scheduled and exported to your calendar.Pet expense tracker

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Prices are published estimates that vary by clinic, region and your pet's needs — ask your veterinarian for a written estimate. PetVitale organizes your pet's records and reminders; it does not replace your vet.