Neutering is one of the most common veterinary procedures in the UK, and the cost varies significantly depending on whether your dog is male or female, their size, and where you live. Based on data from the CMA's veterinary market investigation, here is what you can expect to pay in 2026.

Average Neutering Costs

According to CMA data and pricing information collected from practices across the UK:

  • Male dog castration: £150 to £300 (average around £200)
  • Female dog spaying: £200 to £365 (average around £280)

Female spaying (ovariohysterectomy) costs more because it is a more invasive abdominal surgery requiring a longer anaesthetic time and more complex recovery.

Factors That Affect the Cost

Body Weight

Larger dogs require more anaesthetic, larger surgical equipment, and longer surgery times. A Great Dane castration will cost significantly more than a Chihuahua. Many practices price neutering by weight bracket:

  • Small dogs (under 10kg): £150–£200 for males, £200–£250 for females
  • Medium dogs (10–25kg): £180–£250 for males, £230–£300 for females
  • Large dogs (25–40kg): £220–£300 for males, £280–£350 for females
  • Giant breeds (over 40kg): £250–£350+ for males, £300–£400+ for females

Location

The CMA found that veterinary prices in London and the South East are typically 15–25% higher than the national average. Practices in rural areas and the North of England tend to be cheaper.

Corporate vs Independent

The CMA's provisional decision (October 2025) found that corporate-owned practices charge on average 17% more than independent practices for comparable services. It is worth checking whether your vet is part of a corporate group using VetCost's practice pages.

What Is Included in the Price

A typical neutering fee should include:

  • Pre-operative health check
  • General anaesthetic and monitoring
  • The surgical procedure itself
  • Pain relief medication (usually 3–5 days' worth)
  • Post-operative check (usually at 3 and 10 days)

Some practices charge separately for the post-op check (typically £30–£50) or for additional pain relief. Always ask for an itemised quote before booking.

How to Save on Neutering Costs

  • Charity clinics: The Dogs Trust, PDSA, Blue Cross, and RSPCA offer subsidised neutering for owners on means-tested benefits. The PDSA typically charges nothing or a small contribution.
  • Council voucher schemes: Some local authorities offer neutering vouchers worth £50–£100.
  • Compare practices: Use VetCost to compare consultation and procedure prices at practices near you. The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive vet in the same city can be over £150.
  • Health plans: Some practices include neutering in their monthly health plan packages (typically £15–£25/month), which can work out cheaper if you also need vaccinations and flea/worm treatment.

When to Neuter

Most vets recommend neutering between 6 and 12 months of age, though this varies by breed. Large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting until 12–18 months for skeletal development. Discuss timing with your vet based on your dog's breed and circumstances.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost practice data.