Choosing a dog
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Spaying or neutering typically costs 150 to 400 EUR (130 to 350 GBP) at a private vet clinic, with the exact price depending on your dog's size, sex, and age, since spaying a female is a more involved procedure than neutering a male. Many shelters, rescues, and low cost clinics offer the procedure for less, sometimes 50 to 150 EUR (45 to 130 GBP), and it is often already included in a shelter adoption fee.
Why the price varies so much
Spaying a female dog involves abdominal surgery and generally costs more than neutering a male, which is a shorter procedure. Larger dogs also cost more than small ones, since they need more anesthesia and a longer recovery monitoring period. Where you live and whether your vet is a private practice or a subsidized clinic both shift the price noticeably.
What the fee usually includes
A standard quote typically covers the surgery itself, anesthesia, pain relief for the recovery period, and a follow-up check or stitch removal if needed. Ask what is and is not included before booking, since add-ons like pre-surgery bloodwork or an e-collar are sometimes billed separately.
Finding lower cost options
Many areas have subsidized clinics or charity run schemes that offer the procedure at a reduced rate, particularly for rescue dogs or lower income households, and it is worth asking your vet or local shelter about these before assuming full private pricing is the only option.
Timing and why waiting can cost more
Most vets recommend the procedure at a specific age window suited to the individual dog's size and breed, and your vet is the right person to advise on timing. Delaying past that window without a specific medical reason can mean a longer, costlier surgery later in some cases, and for an unspayed female, an unplanned litter brings its own costs that far exceed the original procedure.
Key takeaways
- Typical private clinic pricing runs 150 to 400 EUR (130 to 350 GBP).
- Spaying a female generally costs more than neutering a male due to the more involved surgery.
- Larger dogs cost more to spay or neuter than small ones.
- Subsidized and charity clinics often offer meaningfully lower rates worth asking about.