While there are a lot of variables, spaying will typically run $50–$500. Costs at the low end of that spectrum are typically subsidized through a public agency. "There are many low-cost spay and neuter clinics around the country to help make the process more accessible to all pet owners," Moore says.
On average, the cost of desexing a male dog can range from $410 to $770, while desexing a male dog can range from $485 to $810. These prices may be higher for larger dogs or for more complex procedures. It is important to note that these prices are estimates and may vary depending on the veterinarian and location.
Your local vet can guide you on the cost of desexing your cat. This can range between $115 and $300 for both male and female cats (Source RSPCA NSW).
Dog desexing costs between $200 and $500 – but you should typically pay under $300. It's also usually slightly cheaper to get a male dog desexed than a female but costs differ depending on the vet you go to: Victoria: Lower Plenty Vet Clinic - From $230 (female) - $250 (male) NSW: RSPCA NSW - $200-$500 (male or female)
While the cost to spay a cat varies, the operation typically runs from $300 to $500 for a female cat and around $200 for a male when it's done at a private, full-service veterinary practice, said Cory Smith, spokeswoman for The Humane Society of the United States. Fortunately, there are less expensive options.
The cost to spay a female cat will typically be slightly more expensive compared to neutering a male cat. This is because there's more work your veterinarian has to do to complete it since it's a tad more invasive.
Without the drive to mate, your cat may be quieter and won't be prone to cat calls and the incessant need to seek out a mate. The spayed pet no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Spayed cats are also easier to get along with. They tend to be more gentle and affectionate.
Section 74 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 makes it an offence to own an undesexed dog over 6 months old or an undesexed cat over 3 months old without a permit. Desexing is not mandatory for cats and dogs under state legislation, although it may be a requirement of some local councils.
In a feline spay, both ovaries and the uterus are removed through small incisions made through the skin of the abdomen just below the belly button while the kitten is under a general anaesthetic. Sutures are hidden under the skin, with only a small knot visible above the skin.
In general, it will be between 7-9 months for the smaller females and later for the bigger breeds. Hence, for small dogs, up to an adult body weight of 20kg, we recommend desexing at 6 months old. For larger dogs, we recommend leaving it a little while longer, so about 8-9 months.
We recommend spaying or neutering your indoor cat around five to eight months, but all ages should receive this care. We are here to help you with a custom wellness plan through all stages of your cat's life.
Spaying a female cat, especially before the first heat, helps prevent uterine infections, uterine cancers, and breast cancer. Neutering male cats eliminates the chances of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems. Generally, spayed and neutered pets live healthier, longer, and happier lives.
For cats: It is generally considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old to be spayed or neutered. To potentiially avoid the start of urine spraying and eliminate the chance for pregnancy, it's advisable to schedule the surgery before your cat reaches five months of age.
A female cat desexing procedure is more complex, takes longer and requires more equipment, making it more costly than a male procedure. Male cats with undescended testicles (cryptorchids) will also be charged higher than a standard castration.
Desexing and neutering are umbrella terms for the surgical sterilisation of both male and female animals. Females are 'speyed' by removing the ovaries and uterus, and males are 'castrated' by removing the testicles.
Standard pet insurance covers expenses due to specified accidental injuries and illnesses. For more comprehensive coverage, you can add optional Routine Care which provides cover for a range of preventative healthcare treatments up to a limit (such as desexing, teeth cleaning and vaccinations).
Experts say not to worry. “Overall, your cat's personality should not change,” Brömme says. Your cat may seem more reserved after getting the surgery, but that's because her hormones aren't fluctuating like they used to when she had heat cycles.
What age should a cat be desexed? For maximum health and social benefits, all kittens should be desexed before they reach sexual maturity (12-16 weeks/3-4 months). However, it is never too late to prevent unwanted kittens by desexing adult cats.
Urine spraying is more likely to occur in both male and female cats when they reach sexual maturity, around 6 months of age. While spayed and neutered cats can also spray, it's less likely if the cat is in a stress-free environment and feels that their social and emotional needs are being met.
Research shows that spay-neuter can increase the risk of joint disorders and certain cancers. The likelihood of negative health outcomes varies widely between breeds and sexes. Decisions about whether to spay-neuter should be reached through informed discussion with a veterinarian.
From a health perspective, male dogs that aren't neutered can develop serious infections of the prostate, as well as testicular cancer and tumors, which can require invasive and expensive surgery. Unspayed female dogs can also cause a whole other set of problems — one big one being that they can get pregnant.
A female can come on heat as early as four months of age, so it is imperative that you get your cat sterilised as early as possible. Additonally, from 1 November 2013 sterilisation of cats six months and older is compulsory. Your cat also needs to be microchipped.
Non-surgical sterilization for dogs, cats and small animals — Calcium chloride dihydrate solution is a chemical sterilant for male animals that is administered via intratesticular injection. It can be obtained through a compounding pharmacy or in pre-measured doses that can be mixed onsite.
You cannot leave your cat alone for the first 12-24 hours after she is spayed, since this is a critical time to monitor for postoperative bleeding and normal urination. After this, as long as your cat seems comfortable and is urinating, you may leave her in a confined area with her E-collar in place.
Recovery After Spaying Surgery
Most pets will start to feel better in 24 - 48 hours, but full recovery takes between 10 to 14 days. During this period you should aim to keep your pet calm and refrain from allowing them to jump, as this could cause the incision to reopen.