How to Find Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Services
Start with your county animal services and local humane society or SPCA, which often run low-cost clinics or voucher programs that bring the price down to as little as $10. National directories from the Humane Society, PetSmart Charities, SpayUSA and Best Friends list low-cost providers, and veterinary schools, Friends of Animals certificates and trap-neuter-return programs for community cats are other options.
Spaying and neutering at a full-service animal hospital can cost several hundred dollars, but many communities fund programs specifically to make the surgery affordable. GoodRx's 2024 survey found prices as low as $10 with a voucher and about $45 to $150 at nonprofit and humane society clinics.
Where to look, step by step
- County or city animal services. Many run or fund voucher programs, especially where pet overpopulation is a problem.
- Local humane society or SPCA. Many operate their own clinics. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley in Colorado, for example, offers discounted spay/neuter surgery to low-income residents of Boulder and Broomfield counties.
- National directories and referral tools from the Humane Society, PetSmart Charities, SpayUSA, United Spay Alliance and Best Friends.
- Friends of Animals certificates, sold in advance for discounted surgery at participating veterinarians; they're valid for 12 months.
- Veterinary schools, some of which run low-cost clinics for low-income owners.
- Your own vet. Ask about discounts, payment plans or a wellness plan that includes spay/neuter.
- Pet insurance wellness add-ons that reimburse roughly $30 to $150 toward the surgery.
Typical low-cost prices
| Program | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Voucher program | about $10 | about $10 |
| Nonprofit veterinary clinic | about $65 | about $45 |
| SPCA / humane society | about $150 | about $75 |
Source: GoodRx (2024).
Eligibility rules to expect
Low-cost programs often ask for:
- Proof of low income or of receiving government benefits
- Proof of residence in the county or city
- Pet age and health requirements (for example, a minimum age or weight)
- Proof of rabies vaccination, or vaccination at the visit for an added fee
Free spay and neuter: is it possible?
Yes, sometimes:
- Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for outdoor community cats are often free.
- Funded events periodically offer free surgeries for certain breeds (often pit bull type dogs) or neighborhoods.
- Adopting from a shelter: most adoption fees include spay/neuter.
See what to do with a stray cat.
Is a low-cost clinic safe?
High-volume clinics perform the same surgeries every day with experienced veterinarians. They keep costs down by focusing on one service and simplifying extras. Ask what's included (pain medication, pre-surgery blood work, an e-collar), what aftercare looks like and who to call if there's a problem after hours.
When to schedule
AAHA recommends cats by five months, small dogs at about six months, and large dogs after growth stops, usually 9 to 15 months. See when to spay or neuter your dog and your cat.
Find animal shelters and veterinarians near you and ask about their spay/neuter programs.
Sources
Find veterinarians near you
Whether your pet needs a routine checkup, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery or an emergency vet, compare local veterinarians and animal hospitals by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.
Veterinarians by state
Tap your state to see listings by city.
This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.
Related questions
- How Much Does It Cost to Neuter a Dog?
- How Much Does It Cost to Spay a Dog?
- How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat?
- Are Puppy Shots Free Anywhere? Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics
- What to Do With a Stray Cat
- Animal Hospital vs Vet Clinic: What Is the Difference?
- Are Cat Vaccines Required by Law?
- Are Vet Visits Tax Deductible?