How much does it cost to neuter or spay a dog in the UK?

The average cost of neutering a dog in the UK is around £100-£500. That price hikes up slightly for spaying, which is a more complex procedure.

Neutering a dog can have a positive impact on their behaviour, as well as their overall health. But it can also come with some risks.

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you'll need to know about neutering and spaying, to help you make the best decision for your dog.

What are the average costs for neutering and spaying dogs in the UK?

In the UK, the average cost of neutering a dog is £100-£500. For spaying, the cost can be around £130-£500.

The price can vary due to a number of factors:

• The dog's size: Larger dogs need more anaesthetic, and often have longer procedure times.
• Veterinarian and location: Your location can impact the cost of vet care, and prices can also differ between practices. For example, the price of vet treatments is often higher in London. This is due to higher operating costs for vet practices.
• Procedure type: Laparoscopic (keyhole) spaying is more expensive, but it offers smaller incisions and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
• Pre-existing conditions: Dogs with pre-existing conditions may cost more. Spaying in an emergency (for example, due to an infection like pyometra) is also more expensive.

Why is spaying generally more expensive than neutering?

Spaying is a more complex, invasive procedure which makes it more expensive.

Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog's ovaries (and sometimes uterus) under general anaesthesia to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It can also reduce the risk of certain health problems like pyometra and mammary cancer.

The surgery takes longer, needing greater attention and specialised instruments. Surgery on internal organs means more time in the operating room, increasing the cost of the vet's labour.

Are there affordable options or financial assistance available?

Yes, there are a few different options when it comes to finding a more affordable procedure. Below are some UK charities that can offer low-cost of subsidized services:

• RSPCA
• Dogs Trust
• Blue Cross
• PDSA

You might also be eligible for financial assistance when it comes to getting your dog spayed or neutered. Visit the websites of the charities mentioned to check your eligibility. Usually, you're eligible if you receive certain means-tested benefits.

Some local councils offer discount voucher schemes for neutering pets, so you should check with your local authority for details.

It's also worth asking your local vet, as they may have information on local schemes or partnerships that can help you.

Can pet insurance help cover neutering or spaying costs?

Typical pet insurance policies don't cover neutering and spaying. This is because it's considered an elective or preventative procedure. Procedures like neutering, spaying, pet vaccinations, and flea and worm treatments are not usually included.

Pet insurance might cover the cost of treating any complications that are a result of spaying or neutering. For example, if your dog gets an infection at the incision site. It's worth checking your dog insurance policy details before the procedure to see if treatment for complications is covered.

Some pet insurance policies will include wellness plans or add-ons. But it's always best to ask your insurance provider if you're unsure.

What should I expect during the neutering or spaying process?

It's normal to be worried about your canine companion before they go in for the neutering or spaying process. Knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease:

Before the surgery

You won't be able to feed your dog for 6-8 hours before the surgery. This is to prevent regurgitation or choking while they're under anaesthesia. Water should be okay, but it's always best to get specific instructions from your vet.

You should also make sure you've told your vet about any pre-existing health issues your dog may have.

During the surgery

Your pet will receive a pre-medication injection to help them relax before the surgery. It'll also provide pain relief before the full anaesthetic is given. Once under anaesthetic, your dog will be unconscious and pain-free for the duration of the spaying or neutering surgery.

Depending on your dog's sex, the vet will carry out one of the following surgical procedures:

• Spaying (female dogs): The vet can do this through a single, larger incision or a keyhole (laparoscopic) technique using small incisions and specialized instruments.
• Neutering or castration (male dogs): This involves making a surgical incision to remove the testicles, followed by closing the incision with dissolvable or removable stitches.

After the surgery

For dogs who have been neutered, recovery times are typically shorter than they are for spaying. But whichever surgery they've had, your dog is going to need some TLC.

Your pup may be groggy or sleepy for a few hours as the anaesthesia wears off, which is completely normal. Rest is crucial, so you'll need to stop your dog from running, jumping, and playing rough to prevent injury.

Monitor your dog's incision site for any signs of infection, and make sure they're wearing a protective collar to stop them from licking. You may notice slight swelling or minor oozing, which can be normal. But keep an eye out for foul odour, strange colours, or worsening oozing at the incision site.

Most veterinary offices ask you to return for a follow-up appointment about a week after the surgery to check the incision and ensure it's healing correctly. And if your dog has external stitches, they'll typically be removed at a scheduled follow-up appointment. This is usually around 2 weeks after the procedure.

If you have any concerns, it's always worth contacting your vet for more thorough, tailored advice for your pup.

Are there risks or side effects associated with these procedures?

Spaying and neutering are common, low-risk procedures that rarely have complications. But like all surgeries, there's always risks. Below are some surgical risks to be aware of:

• Anaesthesia complications: Dogs can sometimes have adverse reactions to the anaesthesia used during surgery. Though these are very rare, leading to death in 0.14% of cases.
• Infection: Bacteria can get into the surgical site, causing inflammation or a more serious infection.
• Bleeding: Haemorrhage can happen in rare cases, especially if a dog is in heat or obese.
• Wound complications: The wound can tear or open, especially if a dog is too active post-surgery. This is why it's important to ensure your dog rests after they come home.
• Swelling: Fluid-filled swellings called seromas can form at the incision site.

There are also some long-term risks to be aware of:

• Obesity: Spayed and neutered pets have an increased risk of obesity. This is due to hormonal changes that affect appetite.
• Urinary tract problems and incontinence: This is more common in female dogs who have been spayed.
• Cancer: Risks for some cancers like bone, skin, spleen, and urinary tract, can be slightly elevated.
• Orthopaedic disorders: There's also an increased risk of joint problems like cruciate ligament rupture. This is more common in larger dogs spayed at a young age.
• Hypothyroidism and diabetes: These conditions can be more common in spayed or neutered animals.
• Behavioural changes: Because neutering and spaying affects hormones, you might notice some behavioural changes in your pup. This might lead to anxiety, noise phobias, or even aggression.

After surgery, always monitor your dog carefully, and look out for any concerning symptoms. And as always, if you're ever worried about your pet, it's always best to consult your vet for advice.

While the procedures themselves aren't usually covered by pet insurance, treatment needed as a result of these complications might be. So always double check with your insurer.

How do I decide if neutering or spaying is right for my dog?

Spaying or neutering a dog can be a big decision, and one you'll want to consider carefully. Here are some things you may want to think about before booking in with your vet:

• Age and size: The timing of spaying or neutering your dog is important. Smaller breeds can often be neutered around 6 months. But larger breeds may need to wait until they're 12 to 18 months to allow for proper development.
• Health: Your vet will check for any pre-existing health conditions before they give the green light for surgery. These might be diabetes or obesity that could complicate the surgery or the dog's recovery.

There are a number of benefits to getting your dog neutered or spayed. These include:

• Managing hormonal behaviours: Hormonal changes related to being in heat can cause stress or frantic behaviour in female dogs. And male dogs might be constantly distracted by the scent of an female that hasn't been spayed.
• Reduced aggression and territoriality: Neutering can reduce some aggressive behaviour, especially in male dogs.
• Disease prevention: Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and mammary cancer in female dogs. And in male dogs, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease.

Before you make the decision, book a consultation with your vet to discuss any worries you may have. This gives you time to talk through your dog's specific breed, their age, health, or any behavioural issues they have.