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Dog spay cost

By Your Dog Magazine editors · Updated · How we check

A spay removes a female dog's reproductive organs under general anesthesia. Prices vary a lot between full-service clinics and low-cost programs, so it pays to compare.

What the surgery is

The AVMA describes a spay as surgery that usually removes the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. Your vet examines your dog first, she has general anesthesia and pain medication, and she needs a few calm, quiet days while the incision heals.

When to do it

The AVMA says there is no single best age for dogs. Your vet can weigh breed, size, health and lifestyle with you.

Lower-cost options

  • Local animal shelters and humane societies often run spay clinics or know who does.
  • The ASPCA points owners to the SpayUSA database of low-cost clinics nationwide, and runs its own programs in New York City, the Los Angeles area and western North Carolina.
  • Some cities and counties offer vouchers.

What changes the price

  • Your dog's size and age
  • A dog in heat or pregnant, which makes surgery longer
  • Whether bloodwork, IV fluids, pain medication and a cone are included or extra

Ask for a written estimate

An estimate lists each line, so you can compare two clinics fairly. Ask what is included, what could be added once your dog is under anesthesia or examined, and whether there is a lower-cost option the vet is comfortable with.

What other owners paid

Loading what owners paid…

Your turn: what did you pay for spay?

Anonymous. We keep the amount, state, type of clinic, size and year, and only show totals once five owners have reported.

How we put this page together

We do not publish estimates. The figures above come only from readers, and we show a typical price once at least five people have reported one. Medical facts are from:

Prices change by region and clinic, so use these as a guide and ask your vet for an estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Is a low-cost spay safe?

Low-cost spay clinics are run by veterinarians. Ask what exam, monitoring and pain control are included, as you would at any clinic.

Questions from dog owners

Got a question about Dog spay cost? Ask it here. We answer the useful ones on this page.

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