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Deciding to desex (neuter or spay) your dog is a smart step—but the price tag can surprise many pet owners. Here’s your complete guide to what drives the cost, what you might pay in 2025, and tips to reduce it.
What Does “Desexing” Mean?
- Neutering (male): removal of the testicles
- Spaying (female): removal of ovaries and usually the uterus
Both are surgical procedures performed under general anaesthesia with post-operative care. Because female (spay) procedures are more invasive, they usually cost more than male (neuter) ones. bowwowinsurance.com.au+2petcare.com.au+2
National Price Ranges (2025 Estimates)
These are current cost benchmarks based on local vet data and industry guides:
| Dog Type / Condition | Typical Range (AUD) |
| Small male dog (neuter) | ~$200 – $300 Dogster+4finder.com.au+4bowwowinsurance.com.au+4 |
| Medium to large male | $300 – $500+ concordvets.com.au+5bowwowinsurance.com.au+5Dogster+5 |
| Small female (spay) | $250 – $400 macquarievets.com.au+6gentledogtrainers.com.au+6bowwowinsurance.com.au+6 |
| Medium to large female | $400 – $700+ gentledogtrainers.com.au+4Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips+4macquarievets.com.au+4 |
| Extra large / complex cases | $600 – $1,000+ depending on location, heat, complications Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips+2Local Vet+2 |
For example, Macquarie Vets in NSW charges:
- Female spays: Under 10 kg ≈ $575, up to above 40 kg ≈ $650 macquarievets.com.au
- Male castrates: Under 10 kg ≈ $460, rising with size macquarievets.com.au
What Affects the Cost?
- Size & weight — more tissue, anaesthetic, longer surgery
- Sex / procedure complexity — spays cost more than neuters
- Age, health & condition — older dogs, dogs in heat, overweight or with health issues cost more
- Clinic type & location — city clinics usually charge more
- Additional services included — pre-op bloodwork, pain meds, E-collar, follow-up visits
- State & regional pricing differences finder.com.au+3Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips+3Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips+3
- Subsidised or low-cost programs — some councils and welfare groups offer discounts via the National Desexing Network finder.com.au+2gentledogtrainers.com.au+2
Can Pet Insurance Help Cover It?
Often, no — because desexing is a planned, routine procedure, most standard pet insurance plans exclude it. However, some insurers offer it as a routine care add-on. finder.com.au+1
If you’re comparing dog insurance plans, check the Dog Insurance page — and always read the fine print for what’s covered or excluded.
Tips to Reduce Your Cost
- Ask for quotes from 2–3 local vets
- Ask if Monday–Thursday or hours outside peak attract discounts
- Use National Desexing Network (NDN) clinics for lower-cost options
- Check if your local council offers rebates or subsidies
- Look out for National Desexing Month deals (often July)
- Ask whether the clinic’s quote includes all extras (drugs, collar, follow-up) so there are no surprise fees
