CritterSpay & Neuter (Desexing) Cost for Dogs & Cats (2026)
Spay & Neuter (Desexing) typically costs $100–$800 in the US and A$150–A$800 in Australia. It is a elective procedure; the exact price turns on sex and species (females and dogs cost more than males and cats); body weight drives anaesthesia dose; low-cost/shelter clinic vs private practice; pre-op bloodwork and pain relief often billed extra.
Typical price range
| Region | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $100–$800 | sex and species (females and dogs cost more than males and cats); body weight drives anaesthesia dose; low-cost/shelter clinic vs private practice; pre-op bloodwork and pain relief often billed extra |
| Australia | A$150–A$800 | From AU clinic + insurer claim data |
What drives the price
sex and species (females and dogs cost more than males and cats); body weight drives anaesthesia dose; low-cost/shelter clinic vs private practice; pre-op bloodwork and pain relief often billed extra. Prices vary widely by clinic, region and the animal’s size and condition, which is why we show a range rather than a single figure.
Is it covered by insurance?
Accident-and-illness pet insurance commonly covers unexpected procedures like this (routine and pre-existing items are usually excluded). See how premiums compare on pet insurance cost by state. We state costs only, not advice on whether to insure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does spay & neuter (desexing) cost?
In the US, $100–$800; in Australia, A$150–A$800. The range reflects clinic, region and the animal’s size.
Why is there such a wide range?
Veterinary pricing is not standardised. The same procedure can differ substantially between a low-cost clinic and a specialty hospital, so a cited band is more honest than a single number.
Related procedures
- BOAS / Brachycephalic Airway Surgery cost
- Hip Dysplasia Surgery (FHO / Total Hip Replacement) cost
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap) Surgery cost
- Cherry Eye Surgery cost
Sources & method
- Dog & Cat Surgery Costs (2026) - Real Vet Bills by Procedure, Vet Receipt (2026), collected 2026-07-20.
- Dog Spay and Neuter Cost and Procedure Guide, CareCredit (Synchrony) (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- Affordable Vet & Pet Pricing Guide for Various Surgeries and Treatments, Melbourne Pet Surgery (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- The real cost of pet surgery bills and insurance premiums, Compare the Market AU (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- Vet Prices in Australia (2025): Typical Costs & How to Save, PetCloud (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
Every figure is assembled from these sources by the model on our methodology page. No number is copied from a competitor.
Figures assembled July 20, 2026. Baselines: AVMA 2025 · NAPHIA 2024 · AMA 2025. These are assembled estimates, not measured costs. See how we build them.