2022 U.S. Pet Spay/Neuter Statistics: How Many Dogs and Cats Are Sterilized?

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Most vets recommend it while animal shelters and rescues certainly welcome it, but the topic of spaying and neutering pets is still somewhat debated.

Opponents claim that it is cruel and that the procedure carries its own complications that increase the risk of certain health conditions. Those that wish to breed their pets, of course, stand firmly against the idea of sterilizing their animals.

On the other hand, we are often told that spaying or neutering prolongs a pet’s life by reducing illnesses like testicular cancer and that it can improve and even eradicate behavioral problems.

Below, we have gathered relevant statistics that show both sides of the debate, so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for your pet and for you.

The 12 Neutering and Spaying Statistics Summary

1. In the US, 85% of dogs have been spayed or neutered
2. The procedure costs between $45 and $500
3. Neutering a male dog increases its lifespan by 14%
4. Early sterilization does carry health risks
5. 32 states legally require adopted dogs to be sterilized
6. 80% of cats in the US have been sterilized
7. Feline sterilization costs between $50 and $500
8. Better-off households are more likely to have their cats “fixed”
9. There are nearly 70 million stray cats and dogs in the US
10. A single unspayed dog can result in 67,000 puppies in 6 years
11. An unspayed cat can give birth to 24 kittens in one year
12. One-quarter of unneutered dogs develop testicular cancer

The 12 Neutering and Spaying Statistics

Spaying And Neutering Dogs

1. In the US, 85% of dogs have been spayed or neutered

(Frontiers In Veterinary Science)

Neutering is the process in which both of a male dog’s testicles are removed, while spaying sees the removal of the female dog’s ovaries and uterus. Collectively, these procedures are known as sterilization but may commonly be called “fixing”. Although exact numbers are not known because the exact canine population is unknown, and not all sterilization procedures are reported, it is estimated that 85% of dogs in the US have been spayed or neutered.

2. The procedure costs between $45 and $500

(Pet Place)

The cost of sterilization is determined by a number of factors, but the biggest determinant is the gender of the dog. The spaying procedure is riskier and carries more potential complications. Spaying costs between $65 and $600 while neutering costs between $45 and $300. Low-cost services are available in most cities and areas.

3. Neutering a male dog increases its lifespan by 14%

(National Library Of Medicine)

One of the benefits of having a dog sterilized is often said to be the fact that “fixed” dogs live, on average, longer than intact dogs. The figures back this up. In fact, sterilized males live 13.8% longer while spayed females live more than 26% longer. This could mean an extra two or three years from a spayed or neutered canine.

4. Early sterilization does carry health risks

(The Veterinary Nurse)

Although it is generally accepted that spayed and neutered dogs live a longer and healthier life, there are certain health risks associated with the process. In particular, sterilized dogs are more likely to develop conditions like hip dysplasia, and this is even more likely if a dog is sterilized when less than 12 months old. Most owners are advised to have their pets spayed or neutered from four months of age.

5. 32 states legally require adopted dogs to be sterilized

(Psychology Today)

Stray dogs are a major problem across the US, and so too is the number of dogs that are left in the care of shelters and rescues. Sterilization is seen as an effective method of preventing a further rise in this number. As such, 32 US states now make it a legal requirement that dogs adopted from a rescue be sterilized.