How Much Does Dog Spay / Neuter Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Dog Spay / Neuter Include?
Spaying (females) or neutering (males) your dog is a surgical procedure that prevents reproduction and offers health benefits including reduced cancer risk and behavioral improvements. It's one of the most common veterinary surgeries performed.
The national average cost for dog spay / neuter is $350 per procedure. Most homeowners pay between $150 and $600, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Gender
Neuter (male): $100-$350. Spay (female): $200-$500. Spay is more expensive because it's a more invasive abdominal surgery
Dog Size
Small (<25 lbs): $150-$300. Medium (25-50 lbs): $200-$400. Large (50-100 lbs): $300-$500. Giant (100+ lbs): $400-$700
Clinic Type
Low-cost clinic: $50-$200. Private vet: $200-$500. Specialty/ER vet: $400-$800
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Dog size and weight
- ✓Gender (spay costs more than neuter)
- ✓Age
- ✓Veterinary clinic type
- ✓Pre-surgical bloodwork
- ✓Pain medication
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Low-cost spay/neuter clinics charge $50-$200 vs $300-$600 at private vets
- 2.Check local humane societies — many offer subsidized or free spay/neuter programs
- 3.PetSmart Charities and ASPCA have searchable databases of low-cost clinics
- 4.Many cities have mobile spay/neuter vans with discounted rates
📈 Dog Spay / Neuter Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.4% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $298 | — |
| 2021 | $310 | +4.0% |
| 2022 | $330 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $339 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $350 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Dog Spay / Neuter Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $123 | $287 | $492 |
| Alaska | $192 | $448 | $768 |
| Arizona | $143 | $333 | $570 |
| Arkansas | $120 | $280 | $480 |
| California | $203 | $473 | $810 |
| Colorado | $162 | $378 | $648 |
| Connecticut | $183 | $427 | $732 |
| Delaware | $158 | $368 | $630 |
| Florida | $147 | $343 | $588 |
| Georgia | $135 | $315 | $540 |
| Hawaii | $213 | $497 | $852 |
| Idaho | $138 | $322 | $552 |
| Illinois | $158 | $368 | $630 |
| Indiana | $132 | $308 | $528 |
| Iowa | $129 | $301 | $516 |
| Kansas | $128 | $298 | $510 |
| Kentucky | $126 | $294 | $504 |
| Louisiana | $131 | $305 | $522 |
| Maine | $153 | $357 | $612 |
| Maryland | $173 | $402 | $690 |
| Massachusetts | $195 | $455 | $780 |
| Michigan | $138 | $322 | $552 |
| Minnesota | $153 | $357 | $612 |
| Mississippi | $117 | $273 | $468 |
| Missouri | $131 | $305 | $522 |
| Montana | $143 | $333 | $570 |
| Nebraska | $132 | $308 | $528 |
| Nevada | $153 | $357 | $612 |
| New Hampshire | $168 | $392 | $672 |
| New Jersey | $188 | $438 | $750 |
| New Mexico | $135 | $315 | $540 |
| New York | $198 | $462 | $792 |
| North Carolina | $135 | $315 | $540 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $315 | $540 |
| Ohio | $135 | $315 | $540 |
| Oklahoma | $125 | $291 | $498 |
| Oregon | $165 | $385 | $660 |
| Pennsylvania | $153 | $357 | $612 |
| Rhode Island | $173 | $402 | $690 |
| South Carolina | $131 | $305 | $522 |
| South Dakota | $128 | $298 | $510 |
| Tennessee | $129 | $301 | $516 |
| Texas | $140 | $326 | $558 |
| Utah | $143 | $333 | $570 |
| Vermont | $162 | $378 | $648 |
| Virginia | $158 | $368 | $630 |
| Washington | $173 | $402 | $690 |
| West Virginia | $120 | $280 | $480 |
| Wisconsin | $141 | $329 | $564 |
| Wyoming | $138 | $322 | $552 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I spay or neuter my dog?
Traditional recommendation: 6 months. Current research suggests large/giant breeds may benefit from waiting until 12-18 months for skeletal development. Small breeds: 6 months is usually fine. Discuss timing with your vet based on breed and health.
How long is recovery from spay/neuter?
Neuter: 5-7 days of restricted activity. Spay: 10-14 days of restricted activity. Keep the incision dry and prevent licking (use a cone or recovery suit). Most dogs are back to normal energy in 2-3 days but need restricted activity to allow internal healing.
🏙️ Dog Spay / Neuter Cost by City
Compare dog spay / neuter costs in the most popular US cities:
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