Should I neuter or spay my dog and how much does it cost?
Key takeaways
Neutering or spaying involves surgery to prevent dogs from breeding, often performed to prevent pregnancy and certain health risks
Consult your vet to understand the benefits and risks, which vary by breed, size, health, and temperament
Most dogs are neutered or spayed between six months and two years, but ask your vet about the best timing based on your dog’s breed and health
It typically costs between £100 and £400, with spaying generally more expensive than neutering
What is spaying and neutering?
Spaying and neutering are routine surgical procedures performed by a vet to sterilise dogs and prevent them from having puppies. Spaying is for females, and neutering is for males.
What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
While spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that prevent dogs from reproducing, there are key differences:
Male dogs | Female dogs | |
|---|---|---|
Procedure name | Neutering or castration | Spaying |
What happens | The testicles are removed | The ovaries and usually the uterus are removed |
Main purpose | Prevents reproduction and reduces some hormone-related behaviours | Prevents pregnancy and reduces the risk of some reproductive health problems |
Typical cost | £360.43 | £484.30 |
Recovery time | 10-14 days | 10-14 days |
Both procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, and most dogs can return home on the same day.
Should I get my dog neutered or spayed?
Choosing whether to get your dog neutered is a personal decision for you and your dog. The best thing to do is to talk to your vet, and fully understand what the benefits and risks of neutering would be in your dog’s case.
These can vary depending on the breed, size, health, pre-existing conditions, and temperament.
According to our recent data, 54%
^ of our pet insurance customers have their dogs neutered.
Generally, neutering and spaying are very common procedures and are considered quite safe. Many people choose to have their dog neutered to fully avoid the risk of pregnancy, and to reduce the risk of developing certain health problems.
When should I neuter or spay my dog?
There is no single recommended age that applies to every dog. The best time to neuter your dog depends on several factors, including:
breed
size
sex
overall health
behaviour
lifestyle
Some smaller breeds may be suitable for neutering earlier, while some larger breeds may benefit from waiting until they are more physically mature.
Many vets now take a more individual approach, as the ideal timing can vary between dogs. Your vet can help you decide when the benefits of neutering are likely to outweigh any potential risks.
Does breed affect when a dog should be neutered?
Yes. Your dog’s breed and size can influence the recommended timing.
For example:
Small breeds such as Shih-Tzus or Yorkshire Terriers may often reach maturity earlier and may be suitable for neutering sooner
Large and giant breeds like Boxers, Labradors, and Irish Wolfhounds may benefit from waiting longer because their bones and joints take more time to fully develop
Certain breeds including Pugsmay have specific health considerations that your vet will take into account
If you own a puppy, it is worth discussing neutering plans during their routine vet appointments so you can make an informed decision.
How much does it cost to get my dog neutered?
Recent data from ManyPets shows that the average cost to neuter a male dog in 2026 is £360.43. Spaying a female dog will cost an average of £484.30.
The cost of neutering a dog can vary depending on factors such as your dog’s size, sex, breed, age, and where you live in the UK.
For example, ManyPets currently lists the following prices for dog neutering and spaying by breed size:
Dog size | Average castration cost (male dogs) | Average spaying cost (female dogs) |
|---|---|---|
Small dog | £313.76 | £420.38 |
Medium dog | £359.43 | £485.92 |
Large dog | £413.35 | £554.03 |
This includes anaesthetic, surgery, post-operative checks, pain relief, and a cone or buster collar.
Prices can vary significantly between veterinary practices, and female dogs are usually more expensive to spay because the procedure is more complex.
Why is neutering and spaying so expensive?
Neutering and spaying costs can seem high because they are surgical procedures that require specialist veterinary care.
The price usually covers the vet’s time, a pre-surgery health check, anaesthetic, monitoring equipment, pain relief, medication, surgical supplies, and aftercare.
Spaying (female dogs) is generally more expensive than neutering (male dogs) because it is a more complex abdominal procedure that takes longer and requires more invasive surgery.
The cost can also vary depending on your dog’s size, age, breed, location, and whether any additional care is needed. Some vets may also recommend blood tests before surgery or extra monitoring, which can add to the overall cost.
Can I get help paying for dog neutering?
If you are worried about the cost, some charities and welfare organisations may offer reduced-cost neutering for eligible owners.
Support may be available through organisations such as Blue Cross, PDSA, and RSPCA, depending on your circumstances and location.
What are the benefits and risks of neutering or spaying my dog?
There can be several health and behavioural benefits to neutering or spaying your dog, but as with any surgery, there are some risks:
Potential health benefits of spaying or neutering your dog
Spaying female dogs can reduce the risk of:
womb infections (pyometra)
ovarian cancer
mammary tumours
Neutering male dogs can reduce the risk of:
testicular cancer
some prostate problems
Potential behavioural benefits of spaying or neutering your dog
Neutering may reduce some hormone-driven behaviours such as:
roaming
mounting
urine marking
certain forms of aggression
However, neutering is not a guaranteed solution for behavioural issues, and training may still be needed.
Possible neutering or spaying complications
reactions to anaesthetic
infection
bleeding
swelling after surgery
There can also be longer-term considerations. Some dogs may be more prone to weight gain after neutering, while certain larger breeds may benefit from delaying surgery until they are fully developed.
Your vet can help assess the risks and benefits based on your dog’s breed, age, size, and overall health.
Does neutering change a dog’s behaviour?
Neutering can reduce some behaviours that are influenced by hormones, but it will not completely change your dog’s personality.
Some owners notice improvements in behaviours such as:
roaming in search of a mate
urine marking
mounting
some hormone-related aggression
However, behaviours are also influenced by training, socialisation, exercise and your dog’s environment.
If your dog has behavioural issues, neutering may be one part of the solution, but it is unlikely to replace the need for training or behavioural support.
How do I get my dog neutered or spayed?
Talk to your vet if you want to get your dog neutered. They will be the ones to perform the procedure at their clinic, so they’ll be able to talk through the options, book the surgery, and advise you on how to prepare your dog for the operation and help them recover.
What should I expect after my dog is neutered?
Most dogs recover well after neutering or spaying, but they will need some extra care while they heal.
During recovery, your vet may recommend:
keeping exercise limited
preventing your dog from licking the wound
using a cone or recovery suit if needed
checking the surgical site regularly
following any medication instructions
Your dog may be sleepy for the first day after surgery due to the anaesthetic, but they should gradually return to normal.
Contact your vet if you notice signs such as:
excessive swelling
bleeding
discharge from the wound
loss of appetite
unusual tiredness
signs of pain
Does pet insurance cover neutering or spaying?
Standard pet insurance policies usually do not cover neutering or spaying because they’re considered routine or preventative procedures.
However, some insurers may contribute towards the cost through wellness add-ons, preventative care packages, or multi-benefit policies.
Complications arising from the surgery may also be covered, depending on your policy terms and excess. Always check your policy wording carefully before arranging treatment.
For more information, see our guide Does pet insurance cover neutering?
Does neutering or spaying my dog make pet insurance cheaper?
It’s worth noting that having a neutered pet can lead to lower premiums on your pet insurance, as it makes your dog lower risk. So you may save money on your insurance in the long run.
🐶 Compare dog insurance quotes, starting from £3.09
^ for puppies.
Frequently asked questions
How long does recovery take?
Most dogs recover well within 10–14 days after being spayed or neutered.
Your vet will usually recommend limiting exercise, preventing licking with a cone or recovery suit, checking the wound daily, and attending a follow-up appointment if needed.
Contact your vet if you notice:
swelling
bleeding
discharge
loss of appetite
unusual tiredness
Will neutering calm my dog down?
Some dogs become calmer after neutering, particularly if behaviours are hormone-driven. However, personality and behaviour are influenced by many factors, including breed, training, socialisation, and environment.
Neutering alone is unlikely to completely change your dog’s temperament.
Can neutering cause weight gain?
Neutering and spaying can contribute to weight gain in some dogs because hormone changes may reduce metabolism and activity levels.
This can usually be managed through appropriate portion sizes, regular exercise, and weight monitoring.
Your vet can recommend the right diet after surgery.
Is chemical castration an alternative and how much does it cost?
Some owners may choose temporary hormonal implants, sometimes called chemical castration, as an alternative to surgery for male dogs.
These treatments are reversible and can help owners assess behavioural changes before making a permanent decision.
Your vet can explain whether this option is suitable for your dog.
Chemical castration is less common than surgical castration in the UK, so many vets don’t publish prices.
However, if you’re considering this option, you can expect to pay around £125 for a six-month implant and approximately £200 for a 12-month implant, according to ManyPets.
It’s important to remember that chemical castration doesn’t work immediately. Your dog may still be fertile for up to two months after the implant is given, so you’ll need to continue keeping them away from unspayed females during this time.
Can older dogs be neutered?
Older dogs can still be neutered, but the risks may increase with age or underlying health conditions.
Your vet may recommend blood tests, additional monitoring, or alternative treatment plans.
The decision should always be based on your dog’s individual health profile.
Should female dogs have one season first before spaying?
Advice on this varies depending on breed and veterinary guidance.
For some dogs, early spaying may reduce the risk of certain diseases, while in others there may be benefits to waiting until physical maturity.
Speak to your vet about the most appropriate timing for your dog.
How long after neutering can my dog go for a walk?
Most dogs need restricted exercise for around 10–14 days after surgery. Your vet will advise when your dog can safely return to normal walks.
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Collette Shackleton
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Collette is an experienced Content Writer at MoneySuperMarket, helping people make sense of money and insurance topics without the jargon. She shares her experience as a first-time Mum and top...
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