How much does dog neutering cost

What the fee actually covers

A “≈ €70” quote sounds good until you find out anaesthesia is not included. A complete neutering includes:

• a pre-operative examination and general health check;
• blood tests (recommended, especially over six years of age);
• general anaesthesia, injectable or gas (isoflurane/sevoflurane);
• the surgery itself and consumables (sutures, sterile swabs);
• monitoring during and after the operation;
• post-operative medication: antibiotic, pain relief, sometimes a protective collar;
• occasionally one day of hospitalisation or a night of supervision.

Always ask for the complete quote in writing before booking. It is the only way to compare two practices fairly.

Why the price varies so much

• Sex. Castrating a male takes 15–20 minutes. An ovariohysterectomy means opening the abdomen, ligating vessels and 40–70 minutes of surgery.
• Size. A 45 kg dog uses far more anaesthetic, more materials and more team time than a 4 kg one.
• Type of anaesthesia. Gas anaesthesia with heart-rate and oxygen saturation monitoring is safer, and more expensive, than a simple injectable protocol.
• City. Differences between Bucharest, Cluj and smaller towns reach 20–40%.
• Age and health. An older dog or one with a heart murmur needs extra investigations, and the anaesthetic risk raises the price.

Indicative prices (2026)

At what age is it recommended

Conventionally, neutering is done at 6–8 months for males, and before the first season for females, or, in some large breeds, after growth is complete (12–18 months). The best timing is decided with your vet, based on breed, size and temperament.

In females, neutering before the first two seasons significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours. That is a medical argument, not a preference.

Recovery at home

• protective collar or post-operative suit, worn continuously;
• short walks on a lead, no running, jumping or swimming;
• check the wound daily: redness, swelling or discharge means call the practice;
• pain relief and antibiotics exactly as prescribed;
• a check-up at 7–10 days to remove stitches, if they are not absorbable.

How to reduce the cost, honestly

• Subsidised campaigns. Local councils and NGOs run periodic neutering campaigns, especially for cats and community dogs.
• University clinics. Veterinary teaching hospitals operate at lower rates, supervised by a lecturer.
• Compare the complete quote, not the advertised headline price.
• Do not postpone because of cost. A pyometra or a mammary tumour costs three to five times more than timely neutering.