Take a closer look at pet insurance coverage for spaying and neutering. As a pet parent, you want to make sure your pet is healthy and happy. One way to help ensure their wellbeing is by getting them spayed or neutered. Not only does this help prevent an unwanted litter, but it can also provide health benefits for your pet5. However, spaying and neutering can be costly procedures, and many pet owners may wonder if their pet insurance policy covers these surgeries. In this article, we'll take a closer look at pet insurance coverage for spaying and neutering.
What is spaying and neutering?
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that remove a pet's reproductive organs. Spaying is the removal of a female pet's ovaries and uterus, while neutering is the removal of a male pet's testicles. These procedures are typically performed by a licensed veterinarian and are usually considered routine surgeries.
Do Spot Pet Insurance plans cover spaying and neutering?
While base level plans provided by Spot do not cover spaying and neutering, Spot’s Platinum Preventive Care plan option helps reimburse up to $150 on spaying or neutering with no deductible or waiting periods. The Platinum Preventive Care plan is available as an add-on to your base level plan and can provide a total annual benefit of up to $450 in eligible routine care allowance.
Why should you spay or neuter your pet?
There are several reasons why you may want to consider spaying or neutering your pet. Some reasons include:
Health benefits: Spaying your female pet can help reduce the risk of uterine infections and breast cancer. For male pets, neutering can help prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate problems1.
Control pet population: Spaying and neutering can help control the pet population. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year, and about 920,000 of them are euthanized.2 By spaying or neutering your pet, you can help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals that end up in in shelters.
Improve behavior: Unneutered male dogs and cats may exhibit more aggressive behavior such as fighting or marking and may be more prone to roaming. Spayed female dogs and cats are less likely to experience heat cycles and may be less likely to exhibit undesirable behavior, such as yowling or pacing5.
Save money: While the cost of spaying or neutering your pet may seem high, it can help save you money in the long run by helping to prevent potential health problems down the road. By also preventing unwanted litters, you may avoid costly medical bills and expenses associated with caring for a litter of unexpected puppies or kittens. Overall, spaying and neutering your pet is an important decision that can help provide numerous benefits for both your pet and the community. If you're considering spaying or neutering your pet, talk to your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your pet's health and wellbeing.
Why get pet insurance with spaying and neutering coverage?
Getting pet insurance with spaying and neutering coverage can help offset the cost of the procedure. The cost of spaying or neutering can vary depending on several factors, including the size and age of the pet, the location of the veterinarian, and any additional medical care that may be required. According to PetMD, the average cost of spaying a female dog can range from $25 to $6003, while the average cost of neutering a male dog can range from $20 to $500.4 Spaying and neutering are typically not included in the base plan, but can be partially covered through an additional preventive add on. Enrolling in a comprehensive pet insurance plan with additional coverage from a preventive care add-on can help provide peace of mind knowing that you have help paying for this procedure.
Key Takeaways:
Spaying and neutering are important procedures that can help provide health benefits for your pet, as well as help control the pet population. Whether or not your pet insurance policy covers spaying and neutering depends on the individual policy, so it's important to review your policy carefully to understand what is covered.If your policy does not cover spaying and neutering, consider adding an additional wellness rider or switching to a provider that provides coverage for spaying and neutering. Keep in mind that any conditions which occurred before enrolling under your new pet insurance provider will be considered pre-existing and will not be eligible for coverage. Only new accidents or illness would be eligible for coverage. By having pet insurance, you can help ensure that your pet gets the care they need without breaking the bank.
Watch our video on the topic for more information.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
The Humane Society of the United States. “Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Pet.” The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet, n.d.
ASPCA. “Shelter Intake and Surrender.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender, n.d.
Pasols, Aaliyah. “How Much Does It Cost to Spay a Dog? (2023 Guide).” Forbes Advisor, 24 July 2023, www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/cost-to-spay-a-dog/.
Pasols, Aaliyah. “How Much Does It Cost to Neuter a Dog? (2023 Guide).” Forbes Advisor, 3 Aug. 2023, www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/cost-to-neuter-a-dog/.
“Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Pet.” The Humane Society of the United States, The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet, n.d.
