How much does it cost to spay a dog?

Dogs are loyal companions and friends for life. They take care of their human owners through their friendship or if trained as service dogs. Bringing home a new dog or puppy is exhilarating for the whole family — canine friends can add an infinite amount of happiness and comfort.

As a dog owner, you’ll want to take care of them, too. When you get a new furry friend, one of the first things you should do is take them to a spay and neuter clinic. Spay and neuter refer to the process of removing a dog’s ability to reproduce — especially if you don’t want puppies. If you have a female, you should have her spayed.

Getting a dog spayed can be costly, depending on where the procedure is done. This is one issue that pet insurance can help cover.

How much does it cost to spay a dog? Before you add a dog to your family, you should shop around for pet insurance prices. If you want to see what rates might look like for you, enter your ZIP code into our free tool today.

How much is it to spay a dog?

Healthcare for humans and animals works the same way: the price of a procedure depends on where you get it done and if you have pet or health insurance.

How much does it cost to spay a dog at the vet? A private spay clinic typically charges around $500. The procedure costs more for females because it’s more complex than neutering. For females, the entire ovarian system and the uterus are removed. (For more information, read our “How much does it cost to neuter a dog?“).

The price also depends on the size of your dog. The larger the breed, the more complicated the procedure and therefore, the more expensive.

You don’t need to go to a private spay clinic. Non-profit clinics offer this procedure for much less, usually around $50. Some communities have free or low-cost spay or neuter programs, especially for seniors or families on public-assistance programs.

While you might be worried about taking your dog to a non-profit clinic, you should know that a licensed veterinarian performs all spay surgeries. If you want the services of a private clinic, pet insurance can help you save money.

Should you get your dog spayed?

There are multiple benefits to getting your dog spayed or neutered. For male dogs, neutering can prevent behaviors you won’t want in your house, such as marking territory.

For females, spaying can stop unwanted behaviors that usually happen when a dog is in heat.

More importantly, if you get your dog spayed early in her life (usually after three months of age), you’ll be protecting her from serious health issues later in life. Spaying can eliminate the chance of mammary cancer developing. It also prevents the risk of uterine infections.

Studies also show that spaying your dog increases her overall lifespan.

The most obvious benefit of spaying is that your dog won’t become pregnant.

When should you get your dog spayed?

Spaying should occur soon after you bring your new pet home. Most vets recommend spaying your dog after she reaches six months of age and before her first heat.

A veterinarian can answer any questions you have and help you pick the best time for spaying.

What happens during spay surgery?

Getting your dog spayed is a relatively simple procedure, even though it sounds complicated.

You don’t have to worry about your dog being in pain. Before the surgery begins, she’ll be anesthetized, which is included in the cost of spaying a dog. Then, a surgeon makes an incision big enough to remove the uterus and ovaries. Once completed, your dog is stitched back up.

The surgery is usually completed within an hour. Because the surgery is more invasive than neutering, your dog will need to stay overnight. Your dog should be ready to return home the next day, though every dog is different.

Your vet will probably want to make a follow-up appointment, and you should keep the puppy relaxed and comfortable for a few days after. Make sure she has plenty of water and food, and keep your lap open for extra snuggles.

Does insurance cover the cost to spay a dog?

Most insurance companies do not include spaying or neutering in their standard policies. Insurance companies consider spaying your dog an elective procedure, which is not covered.

However, you can usually buy a wellness add-on for your policy that includes coverage for spaying and neutering. For a wellness add-on, consider the following companies.

Hartville Spaying Insurance

Hartville pet insurance has two plans: basic and prime. If you choose the prime plan, you’ll also get coverage for wellness exams, prescription medication, and other services. These add-ons cost $9.95 and $24.95 a month, and the prime add-on is the only one that offers spay coverage.

ASPCA Spaying Insurance

Like Hartville, ASPCA offers a Basic Wellness plan for $9.95 a month. The Basic plan provides a few extra healthcare services, but not spaying. You’ll need the Prime Wellness plan if you want spaying covered.

Prime Wellness costs $24.95 a month and includes $150 in dental cleaning or spaying coverage. Dental cleaning and spaying are bundled together, so you’ll need to decide which of the two you want to take advantage of each year.

Embrace Spaying Insurance

Embrace handles its wellness add-on differently. Their Wellness Rewards, offers reimbursement for a host of healthcare services. Services include spaying and neutering, prescription medication, dental cleaning, exam fees, and grooming.

You get to choose how much you want in reimbursements of in amounts of $250, $450, or $650 annually.

Unlike other companies, there is no set price for this add-on. Instead, you can speak with an agent, and they can determine your cost based on your animal and how much reimbursement per year you want.

Pets Best Spaying Insurance

Pets Best is another insurance company that has two levels of wellness add-ons. The BestWellness plan is what you’ll want to purchase if you’re interested in coverage for spay surgery. While the plan costs $26 a month, Pets Best boasts you’ll get $535 worth of benefits per year.

Spot Spaying Insurance

Spot pet insurance has two options for preventative care: Gold and Platinum. Like other company’s basic plans, Gold costs $9.95, and Platinum runs $24.95. Likewise, Gold doesn’t cover spaying (though it does offer several benefits).

The Platinum plan covers spaying, as well as neutering and other preventative care and diagnostic testing.

Find the Right Pet Insurance for You

When you bring a dog home for the first time, you know that you’ll do whatever you can to take care of her. If she hasn’t already had the surgery, you’re probably wondering how much is the cost to spay a dog. You can lower your costs and take care of your new pet by purchasing insurance.

Read more: Shelter General Insurance Company Review

If you’ve been wondering, “How much does it cost to spay a dog?” you should shop around for insurance rates to see which company can help you the most. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool today when you’re ready to see what quotes might look like for you.