Dog Neuter Cost: $150–$400 by Size and State (2026)
Neutering a male dog costs $150–$400 at a private vet — less than spaying because it doesn't require opening the abdomen. Low-cost clinics charge $50–$150 for the same procedure. Cost still scales with dog size due to anesthesia dosing, but the range is narrower than for spay.
Cost at a Glance
Dog
$150–$400
Private vet, national avg
Low-cost clinic
$50–$150
SPCA / Humane Society
CA / NY
$200–$540
25–35% above avg
What Affects the Cost
- ▸ Neutering is simpler and cheaper than spaying — no abdominal entry is required for most dogs.
- ▸ Cost still scales with weight. A Chihuahua neuter runs $150–$200; a Great Dane neuter runs $300–$450.
- ▸ For large and giant breeds, many vets now recommend waiting until 12–18 months before neutering. Early neuter in large breeds has been linked to higher rates of joint disorders and some cancers.
- ▸ Retained testicles (cryptorchidism) require abdominal surgery and cost $400–$900 — close to a spay price.
- ▸ Low-cost clinics perform the same procedure under licensed supervision for $50–$150.
Cost by State
National average adjusted by state cost-of-living index. Urban areas run ~30% higher than suburban; rural ~25% lower.
| State | Dog | vs. Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $123–$328 | -18% |
| Alaska | $188–$500 | +25% |
| Arizona | $143–$380 | -5% |
| Arkansas | $120–$320 | -20% |
| California | $203–$540 | +35% |
| Colorado | $165–$440 | +10% |
| Connecticut | $188–$500 | +25% |
| Delaware | $158–$420 | +5% |
| Florida | $150–$400 | 0% |
| Georgia | $135–$360 | -10% |
| Hawaii | $210–$560 | +40% |
| Idaho | $135–$360 | -10% |
| Illinois | $158–$420 | +5% |
| Indiana | $132–$352 | -12% |
| Iowa | $128–$340 | -15% |
| Kansas | $128–$340 | -15% |
| Kentucky | $128–$340 | -15% |
| Louisiana | $128–$340 | -15% |
| Maine | $150–$400 | 0% |
| Maryland | $173–$460 | +15% |
| Massachusetts | $195–$520 | +30% |
| Michigan | $135–$360 | -10% |
| Minnesota | $150–$400 | 0% |
| Mississippi | $117–$312 | -22% |
| Missouri | $128–$340 | -15% |
| Montana | $138–$368 | -8% |
| Nebraska | $132–$352 | -12% |
| Nevada | $158–$420 | +5% |
| New Hampshire | $165–$440 | +10% |
| New Jersey | $188–$500 | +25% |
| New Mexico | $132–$352 | -12% |
| New York | $195–$520 | +30% |
| North Carolina | $138–$368 | -8% |
| North Dakota | $132–$352 | -12% |
| Ohio | $135–$360 | -10% |
| Oklahoma | $123–$328 | -18% |
| Oregon | $165–$440 | +10% |
| Pennsylvania | $150–$400 | 0% |
| Rhode Island | $165–$440 | +10% |
| South Carolina | $132–$352 | -12% |
| South Dakota | $128–$340 | -15% |
| Tennessee | $132–$352 | -12% |
| Texas | $138–$368 | -8% |
| Utah | $143–$380 | -5% |
| Vermont | $158–$420 | +5% |
| Virginia | $158–$420 | +5% |
| Washington | $173–$460 | +15% |
| West Virginia | $120–$320 | -20% |
| Wisconsin | $138–$368 | -8% |
| Wyoming | $135–$360 | -10% |
Data: AVMA fee surveys, BLS cost-of-living data. Ranges reflect typical private practice prices — low-cost clinics and university teaching hospitals charge significantly less.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to neuter a dog? ▼
When should I neuter my dog? ▼
My dog has one undescended testicle — does that affect the neuter cost? ▼
Related Procedures
Build a complete estimate for your pet's vet visit.
Use the Full CalculatorData: Nationwide Pet Insurance Claims Data, AVMA U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, APPA National Pet Owners Survey, VECCS Emergency Cost Data
Last updated: January 2025
How we calculate this · Pet insurance terms vary. Read the policy carefully, especially exclusions for pre-existing and breed-specific conditions.