Spaying a dog costs $200-$500 for most breeds, or $500-$800 for large and giant breeds. The procedure removes the ovaries and uterus under general anesthesia, permanently preventing pregnancy. It also eliminates the risk of pyometra and significantly reduces mammary cancer risk when done before the first heat cycle.
General anesthesia, abdominal incision, ovaries and uterus removed, closed with internal/external sutures. Surgery 30-60 minutes. Same-day pickup with pain medication and e-collar. Plan for a same-day pickup
Small/medium: $200-$500. Large/giant: $500-$800. Includes pre-surgical blood work ($50-$100), anesthesia, surgery, pain medication, and follow-up. Low-cost clinics $50-$200 but may skip blood work and monitoring.
Restrict activity for 10-14 days - no running, jumping, or stairs. Keep incision dry, check daily for redness/swelling/discharge. Use e-collar. Pain medication 3-5 days. Sutures dissolve or are removed at follow-up. Full recovery in 10-14 days
Includes pre-op blood work, anesthesia, surgery, meds, and follow-up. Large breeds cost more due to longer anesthesia time.
Spaying is one of the most common veterinary surgeries. Serious complications occur in less than 5% of cases. Risks include infection, bleeding, and anesthesia reactions.
Surgery itself takes 30-60 minutes. Add prep and recovery time - expect to drop off in the morning and pick up by evening.
Recommended for all female dogs not intended for breeding. Best done before the first heat cycle for maximum cancer prevention.
02/04
Includes pre-op blood work, anesthesia, surgery, meds, and follow-up.
Standard policies don't cover elective spay - it's preventive care. Emergency spay for pyometra is covered as illness. Wellness add-ons reimburse $50-$200.
Wellness plans: 0-14 day waiting period. Emergency pyometra spay: 14-day illness waiting period. Some insurers charge higher premiums for intact females.
Routine spay $200-$800 is often less than annual deductible. Wellness plans cost $10-$30/month - may exceed procedure cost. Emergency pyometra spay $1,500-$4,000 changes the math.
Elective spay excluded from standard policies. Wellness add-ons have annual limits ($200-$400 for all preventives). Spay complications may be covered as illness post-waiting period. Some policies exclude reproductive surgeries.
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