Pet Surgery Costs

The national average cost of pet surgery ranges from $50 for routine procedures at low-cost clinics to $8,000+ for complex orthopedic surgeries. The price you pay depends on the procedure type, your pet's size and weight, your location, and the type of clinic you choose.

This guide breaks down surgery costs by procedure so you can budget with confidence. All price ranges are based on 2026 data from veterinary hospitals, low-cost clinics, and specialty surgery centers across the United States.

Pet Surgery Cost Overview

Spay & Neuter Surgery Costs

Spaying and neutering are the most common pet surgeries in the United States. These routine procedures are widely available at both private veterinary hospitals and low-cost clinics, making them the most affordable entry point for pet surgery.

• •Dog spay surgery $250–$2,000 (average $455) — See full breakdown
• •Dog neuter surgery $200–$885 (average $487) — See full breakdown
• •Cat spay surgery $120–$500 (average $300) — See full breakdown
• •Cat neuter surgery $95–$385 (average $200) — See full breakdown
• •Low-cost spay/neuter clinics $35–$200 — See full breakdown

Orthopedic Surgery Costs

Orthopedic surgeries — ACL repairs, hip dysplasia correction, fracture repair, and more — are among the most expensive pet procedures. These require specialized equipment, board-certified surgeons, and long recovery periods.

• •Dog ACL Surgery $750–$8,000 (average $3,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog TPLO Surgery $3,500–$7,000 (average $4,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog TTA Surgery $3,000–$5,000 (average $4,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Lateral Suture Surgery $750–$3,000 (average $1,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Luxating Patella Surgery $1,000–$5,000 (average $3,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Knee Surgery $750–$7,000 (average $3,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery $1,700–$7,000 (average $3,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Elbow Dysplasia Surgery $1,500–$4,000 (average $2,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog FHO Surgery $1,000–$3,000 (average $2,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Bone Cancer Surgery $500–$8,000 (average $3,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Fracture Repair Surgery $500–$5,000 (average $2,000) — See full breakdown

Tumor & Mass Removal Surgery Costs

Tumor removal surgery costs vary widely based on the type of tumor, its location, and whether biopsy or histopathology is needed. Benign masses like lipomas are typically $250–$700, while malignant tumors requiring wide excision can cost $500–$2,500+.

• •Dog lipoma removal: $250–$700
• •Dog mast cell tumor surgery: $500–$2,100
• •Dog mammary tumor surgery: $500–$2,500
• •Cat tumor removal: $300–$2,500

Orthopedic Surgery Costs

Orthopedic surgeries are among the most expensive pet procedures. ACL repairs, hip dysplasia surgery, and patella correction require specialized equipment and expertise, driving costs into the thousands.

• •Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery: $3,500–$7,000
• •Dog TTA surgery: $3,000–$5,000
• •Dog hip dysplasia surgery: $1,700–$5,000+
• •Dog luxating patella surgery: $1,000–$5,000
• •Dog fracture repair: $500–$3,000+

Eye Surgery Costs

Eye surgery in pets ranges from routine eyelid corrections to complex microsurgery. Cataract surgery is the most expensive eye procedure, requiring a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and specialized equipment. Cherry eye and entropion are more common and affordable.

• •Dog Cataract Surgery $2,800–$6,845 per eye (average $4,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Eye Removal (Enucleation) $987–$1,483 per eye (average $1,200) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Entropion Surgery $500–$2,000 per eye (average $1,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Cherry Eye Surgery $300–$1,500 per eye (average $700) — See full breakdown
• •Cat Eye Removal (Enucleation) $800–$1,500 per eye (average $1,100) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Corneal Ulcer Surgery $500–$3,000+ (average $1,500) — See full breakdown

Soft Tissue & Internal Surgery Costs

Soft tissue and internal surgeries address conditions inside the body — bladder stones, hernias, infections, and reproductive emergencies. These procedures range from routine to life-saving, with costs driven by urgency, complexity, and recovery time.

• •Dog Bladder Stone Surgery (Cystotomy) $1,200–$3,500 (average $2,100) — See full breakdown
• •Cat Bladder Stone Surgery $800–$2,500 (average $1,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Hernia Surgery $150–$6,000 (average $1,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Umbilical Hernia Surgery $200–$1,500 (average $700) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Perineal Hernia Surgery $800–$3,500 (average $1,800) — See full breakdown
• •Cat Hernia Surgery $150–$2,500 (average $800) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Ear Hematoma Surgery (Aural Hematoma) $300–$2,500 (average $800) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Anal Gland Surgery $100–$3,500 (average $500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog C-Section Surgery $500–$4,000 (average $1,800) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Splenectomy Surgery $1,500–$5,000 (average $2,800) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Pyometra Surgery $1,000–$3,000 (average $1,800) — See full breakdown

Amputation & Emergency Surgery Costs

Amputation and emergency surgeries are among the most stressful and costly procedures pet owners face. Amputations may be needed due to cancer, trauma, or severe injury, while emergency surgeries like bloat (GDV) correction are time-critical and can cost thousands.

• •Dog Amputation Surgery $500–$3,000+ (average $1,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Leg Amputation Surgery $700–$3,000 (average $1,800) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Tail Amputation Surgery $300–$1,200 (average $600) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Toe Amputation Surgery $200–$800 (average $450) — See full breakdown
• •Cat Amputation Surgery $500–$2,500 (average $1,200) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Emergency Surgery $500–$8,000+ (average $2,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Bloat Surgery (GDV) $1,500–$7,500 (average $3,500) — See full breakdown

Specialized & Niche Surgery Costs

Specialized surgeries address less common but serious conditions — thyroid tumors, kidney disease, congenital liver shunts, urinary blockages, and brachycephalic airway issues. These procedures often require board-certified surgeons and specialized equipment, and costs vary widely based on complexity and the specialist involved.

• •Dog Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy) $1,500–$5,000 (average $3,000) — See full breakdown
• •Cat Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy) $1,500–$5,000 (average $2,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Kidney Removal (Nephrectomy) $2,000–$5,000 (average $3,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) Surgery $2,000–$6,000 (average $4,000) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Perineal Urethrostomy (PU Surgery) $1,500–$3,500 (average $2,500) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Stenotic Nares Surgery $500–$2,000 (average $1,200) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Soft Palate Surgery $1,000–$3,000 (average $1,800) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Cytopoint Injection Cost $30–$100 per injection (average $55) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Allergy Shot (Immunotherapy) Cost $30–$100/month (average $65) — See full breakdown
• •Dog Skin Allergy Treatment Cost $30–$583/month depending on severity — See full breakdown

Dental Surgery Costs

Dental procedures range from routine cleanings to complex extractions and oral surgery. Dental disease affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age 3, making this one of the most common reasons pet owners face surgery costs.

• •Dog dental cleaning: $300–$700+
• •Dog tooth extraction: $78–$2,500+
• •Cat tooth extraction: $50–$130 per tooth ($300–$1,300 total)
• •Dog root canal: $500–$1,500+

Emergency & Soft Tissue Surgery Costs

Emergency surgeries — bladder stone removal, pyometra, C-sections, and accident-related procedures — often come with surprise costs. Planning ahead can save thousands.

• •Dog bladder stone surgery (cystotomy): $1,200–$3,500
• •Dog hernia surgery: $150–$10,000
• •Dog C-section: $500–$4,000
• •Dog pyometra surgery: $1,000–$3,000
• •Dog ear hematoma surgery: $300–$2,500

What Affects Pet Surgery Cost?

Five main factors determine what you'll pay for pet surgery:

• •Procedure complexity: Routine spay/neuter costs less than orthopedic or cancer surgery.
• •Pet size and weight: Larger pets need more anesthesia, longer surgery time, and larger surgical materials.
• •Clinic type: Low-cost clinics, private hospitals, and specialty surgery centers have very different price structures.
• •Location: Urban areas and coastal cities cost 30–50% more than rural or Midwest locations.
• •Add-ons: Pre-surgical blood work ($80–$200), IV fluids ($40–$100), pain medication ($30–$80), and e-collars ($15–$40) add to the total.

How to Save on Pet Surgery Costs

• •Compare clinics: Prices can vary by 300%+ for the same procedure. Call at least 3 clinics.
• •Use low-cost clinics for routine procedures: Spay/neuter clinics charge $35–$200 vs $300–$2,000 at private hospitals. Find a low-cost clinic near you.
• •Ask about package pricing: Some clinics bundle surgery, blood work, pain meds, and follow-up visits.
• •Consider pet insurance: Pet insurance can reimburse 70–90% of surgery costs if enrolled before the condition develops.
• •Check for financial assistance: Many shelters and humane societies offer surgery subsidies or payment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions