How to Spay and Neuter Pets Cheaply

When you got a pet, you never realized all of the costs involved. You just got a quote of around $300 for spaying or neutering your sweet little friend and, while you want to be a responsible pet owner, you're thinking there is no way you can afford to spay or neuter your pet.

Before you give up on neutering your pet, you may want to check around for options that let you spay and neuter pets cheaply.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Computer

1. Begin your search for ways to spay and neuter pets cheaply by hopping online to do a search for local spay/neuter certificates. In my area, the program is called SNAP (for spay/neuter all pets) and doesn't have a website. However, there are several sites that list contact information for the SNAP certificate program.

2. Call your local spay/neuter discount program office and find out how much a certificate costs and if there is someone in your area who accepts certificates.

3. Call the vet who accepts the certificates and ask for a total price for surgery when you have the SNAP certificate. The vet in my area who accepts the certificates charges a $45 exam fee if it is a pet she hasn't seen before and requires that shots are up to date. Even if it is a pet she hasn't seen, I still save over half the price on spaying and I know this vet is really a good one.

4. When you are satisfied with at least one vet on the list, place your order for a SNAP certificate. You should plan on waiting about a month for its arrival, because the programs are often run by very busy volunteers.

5. Once you have the certificate in your possession, call the vet to make your spay/neuter appointment. Don't forget to take the certificate with you on the day of the surgery. The vet will need to send the certificate in to the SNAP program to be paid for the surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have low income or are neutering a feral cat, there may be cheaper options available. Check with your local humane society to see what low cost spay neuter programs are available.

Resources

• List of Low Cost Spay/Neuter Programs in the USA

[judymasse]

on 10/12/2009 Great Article, Katelyn...thanks! Judy

[AlishaV]

on 1/5/2009 I always remind people that it's always cheaper to spay or neuter rather than pay to care for litters of kittens!

[georgelarson]

on 1/5/2009 Great information for all pet owners. Thanks.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 1/5/2009 Great article with important information. As Bob Barker (and now Drew Carey) says, "And remember to spay or neuter your pet!"

[gottalovelattes]

on 1/5/2009 These Spay Neuter programs are so important...Thanks for getting the word out!