As a dog owner, one of the most important decisions you will make for your female dog is whether to spay her.
Spaying not only helps with pet overpopulation but also has many health benefits for your furry friend. But how much does it cost?
Pet owners are often slow to reach out to clinics to learn more about spay and neuter services out of fear of cost – though it’s actually quite easy to find low cost spay options through local humane societies.
To help you see just how easy – and fast – it is to help protect your furry friend, let’s look at the factors that affect the cost of spaying a female dog.
What is the Spaying Procedure?
Spaying – also known as an ovariohysterectomy – is a surgical procedure that removes a female dog’s reproductive organs. This procedure prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the risk of certain health issues, including mammary cancer and uterine infections.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends spaying as a way to combat pet overpopulation and overall canine health. Spaying is for female dogs, neutering is the equivalent for male dogs which is the removal of their reproductive organs.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Spay or Neuter Service?
There are a few considerations that go into the overall cost of a spaying service – but in general, you can expect the price to remain around the same regardless of the breed. Here are a few elements that may go into determining how much spaying a female dog will be:
- What’s your dog’s size? Smaller dogs cost less to spay than bigger breeds – as larger dogs require more anesthesia and may need a longer surgery time.
- What’s your dog’s age? Generally, it’s cheaper to spay younger dogs than older ones. Older dogs may need pre-surgery blood work prior to surgery, which can impact the cost.
- Where is the spay facility – and what kind of facility is it? Costs can vary greatly depending on where you live and the type of veterinary facility you go to. Low cost spay and neuter clinics offer more affordable options than private veterinarians.
- Is your dog currently in heat? If a dog is currently in heat, the cost may go up as the spay or neuter surgeon will need to take extra precautions to ensure a safe surgery.
- Are there any extras to the procedure? Some veterinarians may include extra services in their spay packages like pre-surgery blood work, pain meds or post surgery check ups. These extra services can add to the overall cost but may be worth it for pet owners.
What’s The Average Cost to Spay a Female Dog?
The cost to spay a dog can vary greatly, it’s usually between $50 to $500. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay – depending on whether you look at a humane society, a low cost neuter clinic, or other services:
- Low cost clinics: $50-$150
- Humane societies: $50-$200
- Private veterinarians: $200-$500
Price should never keep you from seeking the care your pet needs. That’s why at TCAP we offer affordable spay services so all pet owners can access this important procedure.
Our Puppy Spay/Neuter & Vaccine Wellness Package for $150 includes the spay surgery, 3 vaccine visits, post surgery pain meds, cone, microchip and a free gift. Must be purchased before your pet is 4 months old and used before they’re 7 months old.
What’s Included in the Cost of Spaying a Dog?
When you’re considering spaying your female dog, it’s normal to want to know what’s included in the price. The overall cost usually covers several components that contribute to the success and safety of the procedure:
Pre-Surgery Care and Exam
Before the spay procedure your dog will have a pre-surgery exam. This is an important step to make sure your pet is healthy enough to have surgery. The pre-surgery care includes a variety of steps that will help ensure the best outcome for your pet:
- Physical Exam: The veterinarian will do a full physical exam to look for any underlying health issues that could complicate the surgery.
- Medical History: Your dog’s medical history will be reviewed to find any potential risks or conditions that need to be addressed.
- Lab Work: Blood work and urinalysis may be done to find any hidden health issues. These tests help determine your dog’s overall health and readiness for surgery.
- Risks and Benefits: The veterinarian will explain the risks and benefits of the spay procedure so you’re informed.
- Pre and Post Op Care: You’ll receive instructions on how to care for your dog before and after surgery, including dietary recommendations, exercise restrictions and medication.
The cost of these pre-surgery services can vary depending on the veterinarian and location but are usually included in the spay fee. As always, the goal it to make sure your dog is well prepared for surgery and your vet will take time to minimizes risks and recovery time.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Spaying?
The cost of spaying should be weighed against the many health benefits that come with taking this preventative measure.
- You’ll reduce your pet’s cancer risk: Spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer and eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
- Spaying can help prevent of pyometra: This life threatening uterine infection is completely prevented by spaying.
- You may see behavioral improvements: Spayed females will roam less and not go into heat.
Getting your pet spayed gives you these health and behavioral benefits and supports responsible pet ownership. Low cost clinic options and financial assistance are available to help with the cost.
Studies have shown that spayed dogs live longer and healthier lives than unspayed dogs. These health benefits can pay for themselves in lower vet bills over your dog’s lifetime and offset the cost of the spay surgery.
When to Spay Your Female Dog
The ideal age to spay a female dog varies by breed and size.
Traditionally veterinarians recommend spaying before the first heat cycle which is around 6 months of age. But recent research suggests for larger breeds you may want to wait until after the first heat cycle but before 2 years of age.
For male dogs neutering is recommended around the same time but the timing can vary by breed and size.
It’s worth noting you can spay a dog in heat but many veterinarians prefer to wait until after the heat cycle due to increased surgical risks. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay your dog.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
After your dog is spayed proper post-surgery care is key to a smooth recovery. This means limiting your dog’s activity for 10-14 days, monitoring the incision site for signs of infection and preventing your dog from licking or chewing the area. Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions for your dog.
Low Cost Spay Options
If you’re looking for low cost spay services try:
- Local animal shelters: Many offer low cost spay and neuter services to the public.
- Mobile spay/neuter clinics: These traveling clinics will often have lower rates.
- Veterinary school programs: Some veterinary schools offer discounted services as part of their training programs.
- Local non-profits: Many communities have non-profit organizations that offer affordable pet care services.
At TCAP we offer low cost spay and neuter services to help reduce pet overpopulation and animal welfare in our community.
Don’t Wait to Spay Your Female Dog!
Spaying your female dog is a responsible decision with many health and behavioral benefits.
While the cost will vary depending on several factors there are many low cost options to make this important procedure available to all pet owners. Talk to your vet and consider the long term benefits when making this important decision for your furry friend.
Want to learn more about how to get your female dog spayed, as well as the cost? Visit us online to get a full breakdown of the cost – and many more resources to help you make the best decision for your pet!
