Why is it More Expensive to Spay or Neuter a Dog than a Cat?

If you’ve looked into spay/neuter costs, you may have noticed a surprising difference: fixing a dog usually costs a lot more than fixing a cat.

For pet parents, rescue groups, and community programs trying to do the right thing, this price gap can be frustrating—and confusing. Why the big difference? Aren’t the surgeries pretty similar?

It turns out, there are several important reasons why spaying or neutering a dog is more complex—and more costly—than it is for a cat. Let’s break it down.

1. Dogs Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Cats, for the most part, fall within a consistent size range. That predictability makes spay/neuter surgeries faster and easier to plan.

Dogs, on the other hand, can range from a 5-pound Chihuahua to a 150-pound Great Dane—or larger. Bigger dogs need more anesthesia, larger doses of medications, more surgical materials, and longer time on the operating table. Their physical structure also adds complexity: stronger muscles, deeper incisions, and longer healing times. Even getting large or giant-breed dogs onto the table can require a hydraulic lift, adding equipment needs—and expense—that just aren’t necessary for cats.

2. Surgery Takes More Time

Neutering a male cat is typically a quick, straightforward procedure—often completed in just a few minutes. Spaying a female cat is more involved but still relatively efficient.

In contrast, dogs—especially large-breed females—often require significantly more time in surgery. Spaying a dog means accessing the uterus and ovaries through layers of muscle and fat, which can vary widely by breed, size, and age. What takes 10 minutes in one dog could take 30 in another. And every extra minute in surgery means more resources, staff time, and cost.

3. Cats Are Smaller—And Often Require Less to Stay Safe Under Anesthesia

Cats can be intubated during surgery, and many clinics choose to do so—especially for spays. But due to their smaller size, they require much less oxygen and anesthesia than dogs. Male cats, in particular, may not need to be intubated at all for neuter surgeries because the procedure is brief and minimally invasive. Equipment sizes don’t vary much between cats either, which simplifies setup.

Dogs—especially larger breeds—typically need more anesthetic support, oxygen flow, and continuous monitoring. Their size and variability mean more preparation, equipment, and oversight to ensure they stay stable under anesthesia—all of which increases the cost of care.

4. Dogs Require More Handling—And That Takes Time and Staff

While both dogs and cats can be nervous at the vet, how they’re handled before and after surgery is very different. Cats are usually brought in secure traps or carriers, which allows staff to sedate them safely with minimal physical contact. In many cases, they can be gently placed on a table for the entire procedure—no extra equipment needed.

Dogs, especially medium and large breeds, often need to be physically restrained to receive sedation. Larger dogs must sometimes be lifted or guided onto hydraulic tables—another logistical layer. Behaviorally, dogs also present a broader range of stress responses: some may bark, pace, or resist handling, while others may require additional medication to calm down. Recovery times can vary depending on the dog's size, anxiety levels, and energy.

All of this demands more staff time, experience, and occasionally extra safety measures—all contributing to the higher cost of surgery.

5. More Post-Op Care and Medication

Dogs generally require more intensive post-operative care than cats. Their size and activity levels can make healing more difficult. They often need stronger pain relievers, antibiotics, and—almost always—a cone to keep them from licking or chewing their sutures. Larger dogs may need additional time and hands-on monitoring during recovery, too.

Cats, by contrast, tend to rest quietly and recover more quickly, often needing fewer interventions after surgery.

So What Can We Do?

Understanding the “why” behind dog spay/neuter costs builds compassion—not just for pets, but for the hardworking clinics and rescue groups committed to making this essential care accessible.

At PennyFix, we believe cost should never be the reason a dog goes unaltered. Every unfixed dog represents future litters, increased shelter crowding, and preventable suffering.

Every Dog Deserves a Chance at a Healthy Life

By understanding the true cost—and the true value—of spay/neuter, we take a step toward a more compassionate world. One where every dog, big or small, has the chance to be safe, healthy, and loved.

Help us make that world a reality.
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