Spaying and neutering are essential considerations for every responsible pet owner. Unfortunately, these procedures can sometimes cost up to $500 without pet insurance. While most pet insurance policies do not include coverage for these services, you do have options to supplement your pet’s health coverage and add preventive inclusions like spaying and neutering services. Investing in a pet insurance policy that offers coverage for reproductive services can help you protect your pet without breaking the bank.
Best Pet Insurance for Spaying and Neutering:
- Lemonade Pet Insurance: Best for puppies and kittens
- Spot Pet Insurance: Best for customizable policies
- ASPCA Pet Insurance: Best for competitive pricing
Lemonade is currently available in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District Of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin,
Key Points
- Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed under anesthesia that remove certain reproductive organs from your pet.
- The difference between spaying and neutering is the gender that the operation is performed on — neutering is performed on male dogs and cats, while spaying is performed on female dogs and cats.
- Spaying and neutering can help prevent unessesary euthanasia and prevent certain health issues.
- Spaying and neutering are usually not included with standard pet insurance policies, but select companies allow you to add coverage with a preventive-care package.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
When you sign onto a pet insurance policy, you’ll agree to pay a set monthly amount to keep your coverage current. This monthly due is called your premium, and it is due each month. This makes it especially important to choose a premium you’re sure you can afford each month.
If your pet is injured or becomes ill, you’ll first it them to a veterinarian to receive treatment. Unlike some types of health insurance, you can see any veterinary care provider you choose. After receiving treatment, your veterinarian will provide you with proof of services received, typically in the form of an invoice or receipt. You’ll pay your bill when you receive service.
After paying for your veterinary bill, you’ll submit your proof of payment to your insurance provider. Your insurance provider will then compare the services you received to the inclusions on your policy to determine whether you qualify for a reimbursement. If the services you received are included under your policy, your insurance provider will issue you a refund in accordance with your policy terms.
What Is Spaying and Neutering?
Spaying and neutering are both surgical sterilization procedures. During sterilization, a veterinarian will remove certain reproductive organs from your pet under anesthesia, which prevents unwanted pregnancies. Spaying and neutering is an important component of responsible pet ownership because it helps prevent the euthanasia of healthy animals who cannot find homes.
Difference between spaying and neutering
The difference between spaying and neutering has to do with the gender of the animal undergoing the procedure and the type of reproductive organs that are removed or altered.
Spaying
The spaying procedure (sometimes referred to as an ovariohysterectomy) involves the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries of a female dog or cat. This procedure prevents pregnancy and eliminates behaviors related to heat cycles.
Neutering
The neutering process involves the removal of the testes from a male dog or cat. This eliminates the possibility of causing pregnancy and reduces mating-related behavior.
Benefits of spaying and neutering
Most veterinarians recommend that pet owners have their animals spayed or neutered. Here are some of the benefits that come with having your dog or cat spayed or neutered.
- Prevents behavioral issues associated with breeding behaviors: Unneutered male dogs and cats often mark their territories by spraying foul-smelling urine. In many cases, that territory is the interior of your home. Neutering males can make this behavior less common and may also prevent additional aggression issues.
- Helps female pets live longer: In female cats, about 90% of breast tumors that occur evolve to become cancerous. About 50% of these tumors become cancerous in female dogs. Spaying your female pet can prevent these tumors from developing.
- A crucial step in controlling pet homelessness: Every year, millions of dogs and cats are euthanized despite being completely healthy because there are simply not enough homes to go around. By spaying or neutering your 4-legged friend, you’ll be doing your part toward the prevention of unnecessary euthanasia by helping to control the pet population.
Arguments against spaying and neutering
While spaying and neutering is recommended for the vast majority of pets, it may not be right for everyone. Some of the reasons you may want to discuss this decision with your veterinary professional include the following.
- Early neutering may cause increased instances of some illnesses: According to an article published by the American Kennel Club, researchers have found that spaying or neutering a pet too early may lead to increased chances of the development of certain cancers and joint issues. However, the possibility of these illnesses developing vary by breed.
- Spaying and neutering is permanent: Both the spaying and neutering process are permanent, which means that your pet will not be able to breed in the future if the procedure is performed. This may be a concern for some professional breeders.
Average Cost of Spaying and Neutering
Though spaying and neutering are important procedures, they can be expensive. Take a look at what you’re likely to pay for your pet’s spaying or neutering process without insurance coverage.
| Pet | Average Cost Without Insurance |
| Dog (spaying) | $50 to $500 |
| Dog (neutering) | $35 to $250 |
| Cat (spaying) | $300 to $500 |
| Cat (neutering) | About $200 |
Best Pet Insurance Companies for Spaying and Neutering
Though most pet insurance policies will not provide coverage for spaying and neutering services, you do have a few options to protect your furry friend without paying the full price of spaying or neutering. Take a look at a few options that pet owners have for insurance that helps them cover the cost of spaying or neutering.
1. Lemonade Pet: Best for Puppies and Kittens
Lemonade is one of the internet’s best-known providers for tech-savvy insurance products — and the company has recently expanded into the realm of pet insurance with affordable policies and add-ons for younger pets. You’ll be able to get coverage in as little as 2 minutes with diagnostic tests, hospitalizations and medications included as standard coverages. Lemonade Pet also includes add-on preventive care packages for puppies and kittens that include coverage for essential services like spaying, neutering and exams.
Lemonade is currently available in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District Of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin,
Image text: Lemonade Pet offers unique add-on protections for young animals.
2. Spot Pet Insurance: Best for Customizable Policies
Like many types of insurance, pet insurance policies include a deductible you must meet before you can begin using your coverage and a coverage maximum. Spot Pet Insurance allows you to create a customized insurance policy that allows you to effortlessly balance costs and coverage. You can select between multiple deductibles, reimbursement percentages and benefit maximums to find a policy that fits your financial needs as well as the needs of your pet. Spot Pet Insurance also offers a platinum preventive upgrade to any policy that covers the cost of spaying or neutering.
Image text: Spot Pet Insurance allows you to choose between multiple annual limits, deductibles and reimbursement percentages to create a customized policy.
3. ASPCA Pet Insurance: Best for Competitive Pricing
As a pet owner, you know that the cost of veterinary care can be expensive — but the monthly costs of pet insurance can also take a toll on your budget. If you’re working on a limited budget, you might want to consider exploring coverage options from ASPCA Pet Insurance, which has monthly policies available from just $8 a month. You can also add ASPCA’s Prime Preventive Care benefit for less than $25 a month, which includes $450 worth of annual benefits. The Prime Preventive plan also covers spaying or neutering for your furry friend.
Comparing Coverage Options Now
If you’re thinking about investing in a pet insurance policy for your dog or cat, don’t wait until they get sick to consider your coverage options. Most pet insurance policies include a waiting period that must pass before you can use your benefits — a situation you never want to find yourself in if your pet is already in need of emergency care. Thankfully, getting a few quotes takes as little as a few minutes, and you can sign up for coverage in minutes. It’s worth the effort to begin comparing coverage options now so you’ll know your pet will have insurance if they’re injured or need emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best age to get my dog or cat spayed or neutered?
If possible, you’ll want to get your pet spayed or neutered before their 1st heat cycle. For most animals, this means around 6 months of age. However, larger animals may not experience their 1st heat cycle until their 1st birthday, so be sure to check with your veterinarian before scheduling your pet’s procedure.
Q. Is my pet too old to be fixed?
So long as your pet is in good health, there is no age limit for spaying or neutering. If your pet is older and has preexisting health conditions, your veterinary professional can still perform the procedure with additional precautionary measures in place.
Q. Can my pet be spayed or neutered after it’s already been pregnant or given birth?
Yes, you can spay a female pet after she has given birth shortly after the weaning period has ended. You can neuter a male pet at any point, but it is recommended that you complete this process before the animal’s 1st heat cycle.
About Sarah Horvath
Sarah is an expert in the insurance, investing for retirement and cryptocurrency space.