Dog neutering (male)
Typical UK price: £150–£450
What is dog neutering (male)?
Male dog castration involves surgical removal of both testicles under general anaesthetic. It is one of the most commonly performed canine procedures in the UK. Recovery typically takes 7–10 days, during which exercise should be restricted and the surgical site monitored. Chemical castration (hormone implant) is available as an alternative for those wanting to trial the effects before committing.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- Dog size and weight — larger dogs require more anaesthetic agent and longer theatre time
- Retained testicles (cryptorchidism) — if one or both testicles are retained in the abdomen, the procedure becomes an abdominal surgery with significantly higher costs
- Practice location — metropolitan and London practices charge considerably more than rural or northern England practices
- Anaesthetic monitoring level — the inclusion of IV fluids, ECG monitoring, and a dedicated nurse throughout affects the overall price
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I castrate my male dog?
For small and medium breeds, 6–12 months is commonly recommended. For large and giant breeds, waiting until 12–24 months allows full musculoskeletal maturity. Early castration in large breeds has been associated with increased risk of joint problems in some studies — discuss the evidence with your vet.
Will castrating my dog make him calmer?
Castration reduces testosterone-driven behaviours such as roaming, mounting, aggression towards other male dogs, and urine marking. However, it is not a substitute for training, and behavioural problems with deep-rooted causes may not be resolved by castration alone. Your vet or a clinical animal behaviourist can advise.
What is a chemical castration implant and how does it compare?
Deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin) is a hormone implant that temporarily suppresses testosterone for 6 or 12 months. It can be used to trial the effects of castration before committing to surgery. If the behavioural changes are positive and no side effects occur, surgical castration can then be performed. The implant costs a similar amount to surgery but needs repeating.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.