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Spaying/neutering is an important one-time procedure that can have an array of benefits for you and your rabbit. Like any surgery, though, it can be a time full of uncertainty. In addition to your bunny’s health, you have to factor in the price of the procedure. How much does it cost to spay or neuter a rabbit? You can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $500.
If you’re unsure of exactly how much it’ll cost to spay or neuter your rabbit, how to care for them afterward, and why it’s important in the first place, we’ve got you covered. Here, we explore roughly how much you can expect to pay to get your bunny spayed or neutered, essential post-operative care tips, and other relevant info.
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering Rabbits
Spaying/neutering rabbits has a laundry list of health and behavioral benefits. First and foremost is a longer, healthier lifespan. Unaltered bunnies are susceptible to developing reproductive cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, testicular, and mammary cancers. By spaying or neutering your rabbit early, you can nip this risk in the bud and drastically increase their lifespan in the bargain.
Other than health, spayed and neutered rabbits tend to be friendlier and more easygoing than unaltered bunnies. Behaviors like destructive chewing and territorial marking are virtually eliminated after spaying or neutering, so no more gnawing at your table or chair legs. Especially aggressive male bunnies will see a dramatic drop in testosterone, making them safer companions for other rabbits in your home.
Lastly, rabbits are known for their frequent procreation, which can quickly lead to unwanted litters of baby bunnies, or kittens. With rabbit gestation periods hovering around a month, spaying/neutering becomes essential to prevent bonded pairs from rapidly reproducing.
By removing their incessant evolutionary imperative to reproduce, your bunny will have more time and energy to play and bond in a way that doesn’t lead to bundles of kittens every month or so. That means more playtime and bunny snuggles for you!
How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Rabbit?
Spaying/neutering is a routine medical procedure, meaning it won’t cost as much as more serious surgeries. According to New Mexico House Rabbit Society, you can expect to pay as little as $50 to $75 or as much as $300.1 Some metropolitan areas may charge even higher prices, with the Missouri House Rabbit Society estimating a maximum price of $500.2
You can save on this cost by seeking out low-cost spay/neuter clinics in your area. These are typically privately funded organizations that offer these essential services at a lower cost than veterinary offices. While all pets have associated medical costs, these clinics aim to make spaying and neutering more accessible for lower-income pet parents while reducing unwanted pregnancies.
Does Pet Insurance Cover the Cost of Rabbit Spaying or Neutering?
Unfortunately, most standard pet insurance policies do not pay for rabbit neutering or spaying. These policies are designed to help compensate for “necessary” medical expenses, and neutering and spaying are considered elective procedures.
That said, some pet insurance companies offer pet wellness plans with a focus on preventative care. These are similar to regular pet insurance policies, but they pay for different stuff—spaying and neutering, most crucially. They might also reimburse you for routine care like teeth cleanings or vaccines. It’s always important to read the fine print on what various companies offer with their plans, as some might offer better value for your money than others.
How Do I Find a Vet to Spay or Neuter My Rabbit?
First-time pet parents without a vet on speed dial can have a hard time finding out where to neuter/spay their bunny. We recommend calling various veterinary clinics in your area and just asking. It helps a lot if they have a vet who’s experienced with neutering or spaying rabbits. You can also ask for a rough estimate of how much it will cost and shop around accordingly, but you’ll never get an exact price. Things like pain medication, anesthesia, and post-operative care aren’t baked into quotes that you get over the phone, for instance.
Another option is to call/visit an animal shelter that handles rabbits. These places will usually be happy to refer you to a clinic with reasonable prices. Finally, you could try to find a low-cost vet clinic in your area that handles spaying/neutering. Sometimes you can even find prices on its website, though they may not be 100% accurate. It’s always best to call or visit in person to ask for quotes on how much the spay/neuter would cost, just to be safe.
Rabbit Spay/Neuter After Care: What to Expect
Your vet will be able to give you more detailed instructions on how to care for your rabbit before the procedure, but it’s good to have an idea of what to expect for the first few days after they come home. Caring for a rabbit after they’re spayed or neutered is fairly easy, but we have handy tips for you.
- Have fresh hay, water, and alfalfa grass handy for male rabbits.
- If your rabbit is completely food-averse the day after their procedure, you should consult with your vet on the next steps.
- Always give pain medication as directed by your vet, if prescribed.
- If your rabbit comes home with stitches, monitor them closely to make sure the affected area stays clean, dry, and undisturbed. Most stitches used will fall out or dissolve on their own after a week or two.
Conclusion
Any trip to the vet can be nerve-wracking, even for routine procedures like spaying or neutering your rabbit. It will typically cost between $50 and $200 but no more than $500 at the most in many areas. Bunnies will enjoy longer lives and fewer health risks and become more amiable companions, so it’s actually something to celebrate!
Featured Image Credit: Naviya, Shutterstock
