Cost and Financing to Neuter or Spay a Dog or Cat

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), every year millions of dogs and cats of all ages are euthanized¹. Surgically sterilizing your dog or cat can help with pet overpopulation. It can also help avoid undesired behaviors associated with the mating instinct, such as eliminating heat cycles in females. Sterilizing your pets young when they are still puppies and kittens can also help protect them later in life from health problems such as uterine infections, hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and breast and testicular cancers. And, don’t worry; spaying and neutering is the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians and does not affect your pet’s personality or make them lazy or lethargic. Your veterinarian will help you determine when it’s appropriate to spay or neuter your pet based on several factors including age. Below we dive into the cost to neuter or spay a dog or cat, if insurance covers the procedure and how veterinary financing can help.

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

The average cost to spay or neuter a dog or cat depends upon the veterinarian, facility and geographic location. Generally spaying or neutering can cost between $35 (at low-cost facilities focused on helping control pet overpopulation) and $250.²

Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering cost?

Many pet insurance companies have plans that cover the cost of spaying and neutering services. If your pet insurance doesn’t cover the cost or you do not have pet insurance, you can expect to pay the full amount which, again, can range between $35 to $250 or more. If you choose a low-cost clinic, be sure you are informed about how they use anesthesia and how your pet’s pain will be managed post-surgery.

How can I pay for cat and dog neutering and spaying?

Most veterinarians and low-cost spay and neutering clinic expect payment on the day the surgery is to be performed. Few veterinarians extend credit to clients through their practice where pet owners would receive bills from their veterinarian and pay them directly on a monthly basis. But almost all accept general purpose credit cards and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to pay for the procedure.

Can I use my CareCredit credit card to pay for cat and dog neutering and spaying?

Yes. If approved, you can use your CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network to finance spaying or neutering your pet and to pay for wellness, injury, illness and critical care needs. The benefit of using a CareCredit credit card for vet bills is the opportunity to use promotional financing* and pay with convenient monthly payments. With CareCredit, you can get your pet needed care immediately. You can also use your CareCredit card again and again to pay for a Lifetime of Care™. To find a veterinarian near you that accepts the CareCredit credit card go to Acceptance Locator or Mobile App.