Does Pet Insurance Cover Neutering and Spaying?

Pet insurance policies often focus on unexpected health needs. That means they cover accidents (like broken bones or bite wounds) and illnesses (like cancer or infections). These policies are designed to help with unpredictable and often costly medical events. 

Neutering and spaying, on the other hand, are considered planned elective procedures. Because they’re not performed in response to an accident or illness, they typically fall outside the scope of traditional pet insurance coverage. 

So does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering? Typically, only if you’ve opted into a pet wellness plan or preventive care package—more on that below. 

The cost of spaying or neutering your pet can vary based on several factors, including your location; your pet’s size and age; and whether the procedure is done at a private clinic or a nonprofit. 

Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect to pay without insurance: 

• Cat neutering: $100–$500 
• Dog neutering: $300–$500  
• Cat spaying: $300–$500 
• Dog spaying: $250–$2,000 

Factors that can influence the cost include: 

• Geographic region: Urban areas tend to have higher veterinary costs. 
• Vet clinic type: Nonprofits or spay/neuter programs may offer reduced prices. 
• Your pet’s age or health: Older pets or those with underlying medical conditions may require extra tests or anesthesia support. 

Understanding these cost ranges can help you decide whether prioritizing pet insurance that covers spaying and neutering is worth the investment. 

Neutering and spaying offer several health and behavioral benefits. They also contribute to broader animal welfare efforts. The positives include: 

• Help prevent certain cancers, such as uterine, mammary, and testicular, and reduce the risk of prostate issues 
• Can reduce aggressive or roaming behavior in male dogs and cats 
• May help prevent marking or spraying 
• Help control the pet population and reduce shelter overcrowding 
• May lead to lower licensing fees in some locations 

For many pet parents, these benefits make the procedure a top priority, even if it means paying out of pocket or adding a wellness plan to your pet insurance. 

A pet wellness plan is an optional add-on you can include with your regular pet insurance policy—or purchase on its own. These plans help cover routine and preventive care, such as vaccinations, fecal exams, dental cleanings, and yes, spaying or neutering. 

Here’s how coverage for spaying or neutering typically works: 

• Fixed benefit: The plan pays a set amount toward the procedure (e.g., $150 for neutering). 
• Reimbursement structure: You pay upfront and submit a claim to get reimbursed. 
• Tiered coverage: Some providers offer multiple levels of wellness coverage, with neutering included only in higher-tier plans. 

Look for plans that specifically list spaying and neutering in their benefits summary. Be aware that there may be waiting periods or age restrictions that apply, especially if your pet is older. 

If you’re shopping for a preventative plan that includes spaying or neutering, here are a few key things to consider: 

• Is the procedure included? Make sure the plan explicitly mentions coverage for spaying or neutering. 
• What is the reimbursement limit? Some plans only offer partial reimbursement. 
• Are there waiting periods? Confirm how soon after enrolling your pet they will be eligible for coverage. 
• Does the plan include other preventive care? The best-value plans cover vaccines; blood work; flea, tick, and heartworm prevention; and more. 
• Monthly premium vs. coverage: Compare what you’re paying each month with what you’ll get back—especially if spaying or neutering is the main reason you’re enrolling. 

Choosing the right pet insurance to cover neutering or spaying depends on your pet’s age, your budget, and how much overall preventive care you want covered. 

If neutering or spaying your pet is on your to-do list, don’t wait until the last minute to explore your coverage options. Some wellness plans require you to enroll months in advance before the benefits kick in.

To learn more about how pet insurance can help protect your pet or to get a personalized quote, visit CarePlus by Chewy. You can also speak directly with one of our licensed experts at 800-672-4399, who will be happy to answer any questions you might have.