How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Dog or Cat?
Quick answer
Prices vary a lot by clinic, country, and the animal's size and sex, and no official body publishes a national average. As one published example, the Hillside SPCA low-cost clinic in the US lists $300 to spay and $225 to neuter a dog up to 100 lb, and $145 to spay and $100 to neuter a cat. The ASPCA points to the SpayUSA database for low-cost providers, and in the UK Cats Protection offers neutering vouchers to owners on low incomes.
From the ASPCA, Cats Protection and a published clinic price list. Not veterinary or financial advice. Worried about your pet now?
On this page (6 sections)
A published price list
| Procedure | Price (Hillside SPCA low-cost clinic) |
|---|---|
| Dog spay, up to 100 lb | $300 |
| Dog spay, 101 to 125 lb | $350 |
| Dog neuter, up to 100 lb | $225 |
| Dog neuter, 101 to 125 lb | $275 |
| Cat spay | $145 |
| Cat neuter | $100 |
| Dog spay if pregnant or in heat | +$100 |
This is one low-cost clinic's published list, not an average. Private vets usually charge more, and prices rise with weight. Always ask your own vet for a written estimate that says what is included, such as pain relief and the check-up afterwards. Source: Hillside SPCA Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, Updated surgery prices.
Help with the cost
- United States: the ASPCA directs owners to the SpayUSA database to find low-cost providers, and to local shelters and vets. It runs its own services for qualifying residents in New York City, the Los Angeles area and western North Carolina. Source: ASPCA, Low-cost spay/neuter programs.
- United Kingdom, cats: Cats Protection issues local neutering vouchers. As a guide, households on a means-tested benefit such as universal credit, or with income under £25,000 a year before tax, may qualify; the local team decides, and the owner pays any balance above the voucher to the vet. In some areas it runs fixed-cost neutering drives. Its information line is 03000 12 12 12, option 2 (9.30am to 1pm). Sources: Cats Protection, Vet neutering support (subsidised neutering); Cats Protection, Neutering facts.
When to do it
The ASPCA says the traditional age for neutering dogs is six to nine months, though healthy puppies as young as eight weeks can be neutered, and adult dogs too, with slightly higher risk for older, overweight or unwell dogs. For cats it advises surgery before five months of age to help prevent spraying and pregnancy. Your vet will advise on timing for your animal, especially for large breeds. Source: ASPCA, Spay/neuter your pet.
Why owners do it
The ASPCA says spaying prevents uterine infections and reduces breast tumours, neutering prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems, and neutered males are less likely to roam or mark with urine. It also notes that neutering is not a guaranteed fix for learned behaviour. It says the surgery costs far less than having and caring for a litter. Source: ASPCA, Spay/neuter your pet.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to neuter a dog?
It varies by clinic, country and size. As one published example, the Hillside SPCA low-cost clinic lists $225 to neuter and $300 to spay a dog up to 100 lb, with higher prices for heavier dogs. Private vets usually charge more.
How much does it cost to spay a cat?
As one published example, the Hillside SPCA low-cost clinic lists $145 to spay and $100 to neuter a cat. In the UK, Cats Protection offers neutering vouchers to owners on low incomes.
Where can I get low-cost spaying or neutering?
In the US, the ASPCA points to the SpayUSA database, local shelters and vets. In the UK, Cats Protection issues neutering vouchers through local teams; its information line is 03000 12 12 12, option 2.
At what age should a dog be neutered?
The ASPCA says the traditional age is six to nine months, though healthy puppies as young as eight weeks can be neutered. Ask your vet about timing for your dog.
Sources
- Hillside SPCA Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, Updated surgery prices, read 7 November 2026.
- ASPCA, Spay/neuter your pet, read 7 November 2026.
- ASPCA, Low-cost spay/neuter programs, read 7 November 2026.
- Cats Protection, Vet neutering support (subsidised neutering), read 7 November 2026.
- Cats Protection, Neutering facts, read 7 November 2026.
Sources last checked 7 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Related pages
Puppy first-year costs, kitten first-year costs, vet costs guide and all pet cost pages.