Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog or Puppy? A Complete Guide for 2025
There is a common debate going around whether an owner should spay and neuter their pet.
‘Why should I allow my pet to get the procedure done? We keep our parts!’ or ‘I get the idea, but the procedure can be so costly up front. Is it worth it?’ or ‘What is the cost breakdown? Why does it cost so much for a simple procedure the vet does all the time?’
Thinking about whether to spay or neuter your dog or puppy? You’re not alone. Every year, millions of pet owners face this important decision. Did you know that spaying or neutering can reduce the risk of certain cancers and help curb pet overpopulation? But it is not just about health—behavior and lifestyle also play a huge role. In this guide, we will dive deep into the benefits, common concerns, and the best timing to make the right choice for your kiddo!
Questions to ask yourself to prepare for a decision:
Do I want my pet spayed or neutered?
My answer to this is yes, for my two boy cats.
Why or why not?
As much as I wanted to have a little Kani kittens after I picked Kani up from the shelter, I did not want to have to worry about potential marking in our apartment especially since we were planning on getting another pet eventually.
Is it riskier to not spay or neuter my pet?
When I was asking these questions, I was talking to my boyfriend, and he asked me this specific question. I told him it depends on what our preferences are and the lifestyle we want. I let him know the risk for male cats, but I told him it may be possible that Kani may not be like that. It goes the same with different pros and cons when we want to get a puppy. I also shared my experience with Jacob of when my parents adopted a Calico kitten who marked all the time because she hated being around the other animals. Once a habit starts, it is hard to get them to stop especially as they get older.
How much will it cost us?
We did not have to worry about this with my boys Kani or Jace as the adoption centers neutered them before we brought them home. We will have to consider this when we get a puppy though.
When should we do it?
This question depends on what veterinarian you speak to. Many say a strict 6 months for females before their first heat or soon after their first heat is finished. Some say a strict 6 months for males too to avoid potential aggression or marking. Some say you can wait a year when they have developed more. My personal preference, if we plan to get a female dog (which we plan to), I will want to spay her hopefully before her first heat unless she is very laid back leading up to the 6 month age. If she shows signs of high energy, anxiety, needing constant stimulation, etc. I will plan to neuter her at 6 months. This is to not to get her to calm down, this is so that she does not pickup habits of aggression which higher energy dogs are prone to when they go in heat. Not all of them but many due to their instincts and breed. I would have spayed her at some point either way due to pyometra risks (I have seen it many times and it is not fun for your kiddo or you).
Understanding the Spay and Neuter Procedures
Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy)
Spaying is a popular procedure to remove a female pet’s reproductive gonads, specifically the uterus and ovaries.
Age recommendations depend on the owner’s goals and preferences. It can also depend on the veterinarian. Most veterinarians recommend at 6 months before their first heat. Some recommend waiting a year until they develop more. 6 months is very safe and can prevent any possible behavior issues gained from going through first heat.
Cost can vary by weight and location. $300-$800 is the typical price range, and I can be overestimating. I will breakdown the costs explain the wide window later in this article.
Neutering (Orchiectomy)
Neutering is the procedure to remove the male pet’s gonads, specifically the testicles.
Age recommendations, again, depend on the owner’s goals and preferences. This can also depend on the veterinarian. Most veterinarians recommend 6 months to prevent behavior issues. Some recommend 1 year, if there are no behavior issues starting, to show to allow more time to develop.
Cost can vary by weight and location still. $200- $600 is the typical price range, but I can still be overestimating.
Understanding the Procedure Process: Surgery Day
Before Surgery Prep
The process is to drop your kiddo off before appointments start if the procedure is done at a primary care or hospital. Veterinary offices will schedule drop off time for you; it is best if you are not late for that appointment. Most places open at 7:30am, but do not start appointments until 8:00am. Here is what to expect:
Basic Health Questions: A veterinary technician, assistant or doctor (usually the technician or assistant) will come in and ask you the basic questions on if they have been eating and drinking well; if they have vomited or had diarrhea recently in the last week; when their last meal was, etc. It is important for them to go over these basic health questions as they prefer your kiddo to be in good health before going under anesthesia.
Paperwork: They will have you sign paperwork and go over the estimated cost before you leave. Practices are required to provide this estimated cost for you for legal reasons when you sign the paperwork. If they do not provide you an itemized copy of the estimate you are more than welcome to ask for one.
Leave Your Kiddo: You will leave your kiddo with them for the day and plan for a phone call to schedule a time for pickup.
Surgery prep
Clean Kennel: Practices will have a clean kennel ready for your kiddo along with a blanket. You are more than welcome to bring a blanket from home, but I would not recommend as the blanket has a risk of getting dirty (I will explain more below).
Pre-Surgical Preparations: Measurements of pre-surgical medications, post-surgery medications, fluids, oxygen, etc. are taken care of. Pre-surgical equipment is set up to make the process more efficient (most veterinarians will do 8 simple surgeries a day, including spay, neuters, and dentals on pets. This is all in an 8–9-hour day).
Pre-Medicating the Kiddo: The veterinarian will “pre-medicate” certain kiddos depending on the order the surgery is scheduled for the day. They will do these in-between procedures while the next patient is being prepped to be put on the table by the technicians so that the drugs do not where-off. This is a drug cocktail that will help the kiddo start to relax so the staff does not have to use as much propofol (this knocks the kiddo out so the technician can intubate and start anesthesia and oxygen). I will not be listing those drugs. But this cocktail is not as harsh on the liver and kidneys as propofol and anesthesia.
Catheter Placement: After some time passes; to allow the drug cocktail to kick in, the kiddo is brought to a table so a catheter can be placed for intravenous fluids (IV fluids) can be started to allow the body’s processing of anesthesia and the drugs to not be as harsh as without fluids.
With that said, it is very helpful if you have your kiddo practice being held, held down (not aggressively), touch their paws, ears and mouth played with. Doing this consistently, will help desensitize your kiddo when it is time for them to go to the vet under any circumstances.
Catheter placement is important to not just flush out drugs through the liver and kidneys but to administer fast-acting drugs like propofol. Propofol will burn (and hurt) if it is anywhere outside the vein.
Please note* even though, patients have been given a drug cocktail to relax, some kiddos do not relax due to the amount of stress they are under. Most pets do not like the vet; many pets do not like being held down or poked with a needle. Staff do need to hold a pet for catheter placement so 1. They do not fall off the table; 2. Nobody gets bit. This is a safety precaution to both staff and your pet. 3. If your pet jerks or moves during the catheter placement it can injure the vein and surrounding tissue and the technician will have to poke your kiddo again to try to place the catheter.
Propofol is Administered: After catheter placement, propofol is administered to knock your kiddo out for intubating and starting anesthesia and oxygen.
Shaving Incision Area: While the patient is knocked out, the technician or assistant will shave the incision area. For a spay they do have to shave most of the abdomen and for neutering it is mostly the lower abdomen just behind the penis to properly clean and surgically prep the area. This is to prevent infection as much as possible.
Surgery Starts: Then, the patient is brought to the surgery table to start the procedure.
During surgery
During the procedure and once anesthesia starts in surgery prep, your kiddo and their vitals are constantly monitored by the technician and assistant while the veterinarian gets the procedure done. The technician will prepare charges and medications the veterinarian has prescribed, as well.
After surgery
Once the procedure is done, it is time for the kiddo to wake up.
Move the Kiddo Back to the Kennel: This is important to get done before the kiddo wakes up while on the table (this is a big no no) and it is usually a quick process because they are now off anesthesia. Most of the time, it is not a smooth process which is why technicians and assistants follow these steps.
Get Back on Fluids: They do need to start fluids again to help them flush out the drugs administered IV, as well as the anesthesia. This is usually done before the patient wakes up.
Check Vitals: Very important. Heart rate and breathing checked with a stethoscope; temperature checked with a thermometer and oxygen levels are checked by pressing on the gums.
Waking Up: We want to make sure the kiddo is awake at this point. Some kiddos wake up smoothly and very high. Many kiddos will wake up in a panic, so staff have to make sure they are there to help comfort them and not hurt themselves. It is possible for some kiddos to wake up aggressive.
Now for the reason why I do not recommend bringing your own blanket from home, many kiddos lose control of their bladder and bowel movements. So, there are many patients who have urinated and defecated on their owners’ blankets. Even cats. Because of this, practices usually use strong concentrate of laundry detergent and bleach to clean the laundry. All in house laundry.
When we call the owner
Once your kiddo is awake and vitals are looking good, a technician who is working with your kiddo will call you to let you know how the procedure went and schedule a pickup time.
Pickup
Once you check-in for the pickup time you scheduled with the technician, the technician or the assistant will speak with you about aftercare procedures. It is very important to listen to what they are saying or even read over the paperwork. Once you are done speaking to the technician, they will bring out your kiddo.
Your kiddo may either be very excited to see you or a bit tired or both. Every kiddo is different.
I will provide aftercare instructions another time. Please ask your vet any questions you may have either during your pickup appointment or any time after. The vets will be very happy to help you.
Benefits for Pets and Owners of Spaying and Neutering a Dog
Note that I use the phrase ‘can prevent’ multiple times through this. Doing this or any procedure or medication can never guarantee or fully prevent anything because of how complex the body can be and the many factors of causes that can fall into it.
Reduces Risks of Unwanted Litters and Pet Overpopulation: (This can be a benefit or a con depending on the pet and the owner). If you are not ready or wanting to care for puppies, getting the procedure done does help prevent this.
This can have a positive impact on shelters and pet communities. Some shelters, either put animals down if they are getting overcrowded or transfer the animals to other shelters (which can cause stress on the kiddo). Some shelters have a policy to put an animal down if they have been there for too long. Many are steering away from this and doing their best to come up with alternatives, but there are still shelters out there that will follow this protocol.
Spaying and neutering can help shelters from over populating, therefore, preventing more kiddos from being put down or put through more stress than they already have.
Marking and Spraying
This is a hard habit to break once it starts. Marking and spraying is basically your dog urinating inside your home to ‘mark his or her territory’ from other pets or for females to attract a male to mate with. Spaying and neutering do not always prevent this. For example, my parents adopted a calico kitten who was spayed. She has always urinated outside of the litterbox, and it frustrated my dad so much because he would try everything to attract her to the litterbox. She would urinate in the litterbox, but she still would urinate just outside of it or somewhere else in the house. It turns out she wanted to be either the only cat or the only pet in the house. She did not like the other pets. It took my dad a few years to figure out.
Benefits for Females
What is pyometra?
Pyometra is a life- threatening infection in an intact female cat or dog of the uterus. Pus and blood will fill the uterus. There are multiple causes to this. Unfortunately, this is a common infection in both cats and dogs (not contagious).
The kiddo will be needing an emergency spay which is costly no matter if you go to your pet’s primary, a hospital or an emergency clinic. Emergency clinic will be most costly so try your primary clinic or a pet hospital first.
At a primary clinic or hospital, a pyometra can be at least $600-$900. At an emergency clinic, it is normally $300 for the exam and can get up to $2000.
A friend of mine, brought his senior husky into the ER, ended up having to pay $2500.
Can Prevent Various Female Reproductive Cancers and Infection
Can eliminate the risk of infections like pyometra and cancers like uterine cancer since the whole uterus is removed. It can prevent mammary (breast) tumors. Seniors and adult dogs are more at risk for these diseases, but it never excludes young ones as well. Mother nature can be unpredictable.
Can Prevent Many Behavioral Problems
First heat typically starts between 4-12 months. Just like female humans, female dogs can become very moody when in heat. Some will either get very cuddly, very spicy or both depending on their overall personality. When dogs are spicy (male or female), it is not fun. It will either be to the extent of a dirty look, to growling, to chasing ready to bite. For some dogs, these moods will not develop until they experience their first heat and then it can turn into a habit once they experience those feelings for the first time. Some dogs are just moody. They will also be very vocal when in heat. Some will also start to spray. These are normal for them to attract a male to mate with them. Once some of these physical and emotional habits start, it is very hard to get them to stop.
Benefits for Males
Can Prevent Various Male Reproductive Cancers
Can prevent the risk of testicular cancer. Neutering can also prevent prostate issues and perianal tumors.
Can Prevent Many Behavioral Problems
Because of the amount of testosterone in a male dog, they are more likely to mark or spray to ‘mark their territory’ or even be aggressive to protect his people and territory. Again, a spicy dog is not fun whether male or female. Neutering does not always prevent or stop these behaviors, but it can lessen the desire a bit.
For example, my parents got a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They have wanted this specific breed since they were young. These dogs are watch and pulling dogs and not usually a breed that is fully acceptable to change. His name was Mako and Mako was a very handsome boy, therefore, my parents made an agreement with the breeder that they will not neuter him in case she decides to breed him. She did not ever end up breeding him, so he was not neutered until 8 years old. Before that time, because our calico cat was marking, he was marking. He would always mark the couches and near the areas she would mark downstairs. It was a nightmare for my dad. Luckily, Mako slowed down the marking after being neutered. It never fully stopped, but it slowed down.
Cons for Pets and Owners of Spaying and Neutering a Dog
No Puppies: If you do neuter or spay your kiddo you will not be able to have puppies. (This can be a benefit depending on the pet and the owner).
Personality and Eating Habits Do Change: The reproductive gonads are controlled by multiple hormones and even produce important hormones like testosterone and estrogen; therefore, your kiddo’s energy levels are more likely to change. There metabolism will slow as well. You will notice especially a month after the procedure, your kiddo’s appetite has increased or they will gain weight. (This can be a benefit depending on the pet and the owner).
Medical Risks: Going under anesthesia is a risk for all animals and humans no matter the age or how healthy one is. It slows your heart rate, breathing and lowers your temperature a good amount to where the patient has to be consistently monitored every minute. The veterinary team are trained professionals. Many technicians and assistants are getting certified and getting degrees.
Common Misconceptions and Myths of Spaying and Neutering a Dog
“Spaying or neutering my pet makes them gain weight”: It is good to note that when you get this procedure done, removing the gonads does decrease the amount of testosterone and estrogen produced, therefore, lowering a kiddo’s metabolism. They key is to monitor their food habits, monitor their food intake, and pick good quality food for your kiddo.
“It will change my pet’s personality”: A pet’s core personality will remain the same. They may come back to not be as energetic, hyper or aggressive compared to before they were spayed or neutered.
“It’s too expensive”: I do understand the upfront cost, but IF any complications arise it is more expensive, especially for surprise litters.
“Indoor pets don’t need to be spayed or neutered”: Kiddos can still get pregnant if they escape the house. Females are at risk of pyometra. There are potential risks of behavioral issues and marking if a kiddo is not spayed or neutered.
“My pet going under anesthesia is too risky”: There is always a risk going on the table whether the kiddo is healthy or not, but that is why veterinary staff are specially and professionally trained for all situations. Veterinary technicians are now being required to be certified in many states. Staff is professionally trained to make the operation as safe as they possibly can for your kiddo.
“My pet is too old”: Younger pets can recover more quickly, but that does not disqualify that older pets cannot get the procedure done. I have seen an 8-year-old cat and dog get the procedure done and recover well. I have seen 12-year-old kiddos get the procedure done and recover well.
How to Find the Right Vet for the Job
How Do You Pick a Vet?
Are you looking for cheaper options or are you looking to make sure your pet is well taken care of?
Look at reviews
Give them a call to give you an average cost. You are more than welcome to ask them to email you a cost breakdown through email (some, but not all will without an initial visit- does not hurt to ask)
You are allowed to ask for a specific veterinarian to do the procedure, you just may have to wait for when they have room in their schedule- all veterinarians are well trained to do the procedure, and many have had loads of practice due to how common the procedure is.
Average Costs
Spay: $300-$800
Neuter: $200-$600
Why the big window for the estimate? (you will notice for dentals and dogs it can be more so): In the estimates the include ALL the possible costs including options you may or may not choose like microchip placement, nail trim, Elizabeth collar (cone of shame/ e-collar), take home medications, pre-surgical drug cocktail medication, anesthesia time, etc. If the procedure is going to cost more than the estimate they provided you, they will call you and let you know and let you know why. They are required to do so by law.
Medication, propofol, pre-surgical cocktail drug costs vary by weight. This is because the amount the veterinarian has to use is based on their weight.
Anesthesia cost varies on time. Specifically, how much time your kiddo was on the table. The veterinarians are very good at staying in the normal window the procedure takes, but sometimes there are complications of either strange anatomy or the patient being in heat that has the kiddo having to be on the table longer. Those are only two of many examples. It is an extra cost if your female kiddo is in heat as it is more difficult to remove the gonads as they are more swollen and the vet has to take extra precautions.
Insurance and Pet Wellness Programs
Insurance: Pet insurance is almost like a less complicated version of human health insurance. Pet insurance, as of now, does not connect directly connect to the vet office so you only have to pay a co-pay. You do have to cover all the costs then they will reimburse you a certain percentage that you agreed to depending on the package you chose. All pet insurance will cover emergency or urgent care situations that was not pre-diagnosed. Some will also cover chronic conditions, periodontal disease, prescriptions for chronic conditions and even prescription food. With that, it does require you to start on the insurance early, because they are normally strict on the not assisting with pre-diagnosed conditions.
Many do not believe in pet insurance because they believe they are throwing away money for a product they will never needs. That is perfectly fine. I do understand. I personally have experienced my cat having zoomies, landing wrong and breaking his leg at 2 years old. We had to spend over $1000 (thank goodness not more because his vet got him in an urgent care visit and the doctor is an orthopedic specialist). My kiddos will all be on pet insurance eventually.
My own personal opinion, not everyone will agree with me and that is fine. For my two boy cats, I would prefer to start them on pet insurance between 5-7 years old. I have seen senior cats have more health problems than younger cats, but this does not exclude the fact that younger cats cannot obtain chronic conditions. If I get a dog, they will have pet insurance immediately. This is all based on my own experience and everything I have seen. I could be wrong, but I will go with this until I am wrong.
Pet Wellness Packages: These packages are typically monthly or annual plans that cover primary care visits and sometimes urgent care visits. This can include a certain number of vaccines per year, annual bloodwork, heartworm test for dogs, FIV/ FELV test for cats, fecal tests, etc. Some plans will cover those costs entirely; some plans will only cover a percentage which has you pay all costs upfront and you get reimbursed. Some companies have wellness packages for puppies and kittens the help cover the spay and neuter procedure. Some will cover dental.
Usually, pet insurance companies offer these wellness packages. There are also very few vet clinics and hospitals that offer wellness packages.
How to Get Costs Covered on Spaying and Neutering
Adopt from shelters that cover the cost or do it at the shelter.
Get on a wellness plan that will reimburse you for spaying and neutering your pet.
Exceptions and Ethical Considerations
When it is Not Recommended to Spay or Neuter a Dog
It is not recommended to spay or neuter your dog if they are sick (consistently sneezing with discharge, consistently coughing, consistently vomiting and/or having consistent diarrhea) of it your kiddo’s health is chronic (kidney, liver, blood issues, etc.). The veterinarian will be able to judge the situation and let you know how to move forward. Veterinary staff does prefer if your kiddo is in the best health possible to go under anesthesia especially if they are older.
It is also not recommended to neuter your dog if they have severe behavioral issues. Any dog is at risk for behavioral issues. When dogs with behavioral issues are somewhere or with someone they do not like, they will let the world know. I had one client bring in her dog that she found on the streets while she was deployed overseas. The kiddo was not from a friendly country and he was protective of his mom and his sister whom was hiding under the chair. He would stare you down the whole time, you had to keep calm and make no eye contact. He would not let anyone touch him but me because I approached him right. It is best for yourself and your dog’s mental health to bring them to the vet for minimal requirements to prevent as much stress on yourself and your dog as possible (and yes veterinary staff as they will get scratched and possibly bit).
Breeding Process and Considerations
Please feel free to breed your kiddo if you so choose. There is no judgement. There is, however, much to the process.
I will make an article series for caring for neonates (newborn kittens and puppies), but be sure to do your own thorough research and I cannot stress enough, talk to your veterinarian.
Your pet’s veterinarian will be able to personalize your kiddo’s care through pregnancy and the neonates’. Your veterinarian will be able to properly guide you for a hospitalization birth for your kiddo or a home birth. They will also need to let you know if they need to do a C-section at all.
Pros
Your pet being pregnant and giving birth is a beautiful process to experience. It is what made me want to become a veterinary professional in the first place.
You get to watch your pet give birth
You get to see the neonates grow, you get to hold them, play with them and feed them.
You get to watch your pet be a mom. Many accept being a mom, some do not.
You can sell the youngling or keep any if you so choose when they are 8 weeks old
Cons
This is an expensive process. There is vet visit costs, vaccines, different dog food, formula and puppy food you need. You will also need enclosure, gate or separate room to keep the kittens in one area separated from the other pets.
There is risk of birth complications which is not just expensive but scary to see your pet go through. Complications are not common, but they are possible.
Once the neonates are born, someone does have to be in the home with them and check on them every 30-60 minutes for the first couple of weeks. Someone would have to sleep next to the enclosure to check on them when and why they cry and to make sure nothing happens.
The initial 8 weeks for kittens for health, care, feeding and litter training is crucial. Whether you are trying to care for them or you are trying to get the most amount of money out of the situation. Yes, there are some people who want mostly money out of the process, we are not here to judge if the animals are being properly cared for.
Perspectives from Animal Welfare Organizations and Vets
Most Animal Welfare organizations and vets will highly recommending spaying or neutering your pet not just for your kiddo’s health and well-being but to save your pockets in the long run. They push it not just to control overpopulation in shelters, but they have also seen many kiddos get pyometra and cancer in their reproductive organs. Note that not all gain these conditions, but many have.
Spaying or neutering your dog or puppy is a crucial decision with lasting impacts on health, behavior, and the broader pet community. While the benefits often outweigh the risks, understanding the timing and care involved helps you make the best choice for your beloved companion. Ready to take the next step? Consult your vet today and give your dog a healthier, happier future!