Pet Insurance
5
min read

Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying?

What you need to know about getting your pet spayed and whether or not the procedure is covered by insurance.
Published on
March 30, 2023

In the United States, spaying is a surgical procedure that removes a female dog or cat's reproductive organs. This procedure is performed to prevent pregnancy, which in turn reduces the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. Spaying can also help prevent ovarian cancer in dogs and uterine infections in pets. However, most insurance companies don't cover this procedure because it's considered an elective surgery rather than a necessity of health care. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about what spaying truly is and everything you can expect from the procedure. Then, we’ll be covering the many ways you can save on your pet’s spay surgery and the things you can do to prepare for it. Finally, we’ll be sharing some easy, real-life ways that you can save on your pet’s spay surgery. 

What is Spaying?

Spaying is a surgical procedure to remove the ovaries and uterus from female animals. Pet parents get their animals spayed for a variety of reasons, including eliminating the possibility of pregnancy or going into heat (known as "estrus").

Because spaying is a surgical procedure, it comes with its own set of risks, which means that it isn't always covered by pet insurance companies. However, it’s important to realize that this procedure is not only helpful for preventing pregnancy, but also carries many benefits of its own. 

Why is it Important to Spay Your Pets?

Spaying is one of the most important things you can do for your pet. When a female dog or cat is spayed, it will help reduce the number of unwanted animals in shelters because she won't be able to have puppies or kittens. It also prevents health problems like uterine infections, which are more common in unspayed female dogs and cats than they are in males who aren't neutered.

The Benefits of Spaying Your Pets

Believe it or not, spaying your pet female dog or cat can actually help reduce the risk of mammary tumors, uterine infections, and uterine cancer. It can even increase the life expectancy of your pet.

In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies in female dogs and cats, spaying is a routine procedure that improves the quality of life for pets and their owners by eliminating health risks associated with unspayed animals (including issues like pyometra—the presence of pus in the uterus).

How Much Does it Cost to Spay Your Pet?

The cost of spaying your pet won’t be the same price every single time. Because it’s a surgical procedure, the cost depends on several different factors, including:

  • The weight of your pet
  • Where you take your pet for the procedure and how much they charge.

You can get a privately-owned vet to do it, or go through a public clinic. There are pros and cons to each option; private vets might charge less but may not be as convenient to go to because they aren't always open during business hours like public clinics are. Public clinics can often be busy and may not have appointment times available.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying?

Though it carries numerous health benefits, spaying is still considered an elective procedure for most insurance companies. This can be especially frustrating for pet parents with multiple pets or those with larger animals. Pet insurance is so helpful for saving money on procedures like spaying! Unfortunately, it can be quite difficult to find one that will cover your pet’s spaying procedure. 

How to Save Money on Spaying Your Pet

There are several ways you can save money on spaying your pet. First, shop around for the best price. When choosing a clinic, ask them how much they charge and whether they offer an in-house insurance or financing option. If you're unsure of how much something costs, do some research online to find out how much other clinics charge for similar services. And, don’t be afraid to ask. Opening your mouth and simply asking a question is one of the best ways to get an answer. 

Second, ask your vet if they offer any discounts on routine procedures like spaying your pet. If they do not have any special offers available at the moment (or if you already know what price range is typical), consider asking about group rates at other veterinary clinics in your area that perform these types of procedures regularly—they may be able to offer a discount because of this increased volume.

Finally, look for charities that offer spaying discounts or ask your vet if they provide a cash discount—this could be an excellent way to save money on spaying fees without having to go through all the hassle of shopping around yourself!

dog debit card

How to Save Money on All Your Pet’s Medical Care

Shopping around each time your pet requires a procedure or in the event of a medical emergency just isn’t very feasible. Fursure can help establish a more long-term solution. Our pet insurance experts can help you find the right policy for you - even one that covers your furry friend’s spay procedure. We know what it takes to get to the bottom of understanding complex insurance jargon and compromising coverage that works best for you.  

If we can’t find a policy that meets your needs, you can always take advantage of the Fursure card to begin collecting points to spend toward your pet’s next vet visit. With enough points, your spay visit could be covered completely!

Final Thoughts

We hope that this article has helped provide more information about spaying your pet. As you can see, spaying is a great way to keep your pet healthy and happy. It's also something that most insurance companies don't cover. You should always check with your provider before having any procedures done on your pet - they may be able to help out with some of the costs involved!

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