Spay/Neuter Surgeries

We aim to make quality spay/neuter affordable to all clients. We have implemented tiered pricing to ensure care is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. Reduced-rate pricing is available to owners who receive food stamps (SNAP/LINK), Social Security Disability (SSD/SSI), or VA disability benefits. If you are unable to afford our spay/neuter services, please inquire with the clinic office about additionally reduced pricing, especially if you are 55 years or older. 

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Surgical Requirements

• At least 8 weeks old

• At least 2lbs

• Cats and dogs may be spayed when in heat or pregnant.

• Pre-operative bloodwork with your full-service veterinarian if your pet is 8 years old or older

• PLEASE NOTE: Due to the increased surgical and anesthetic risks associated with brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with shortened muzzles and airway challenges), our clinic is unable to provide surgical services for English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. For the safety of your pet, we also reserve the right to decline surgery for mixed breeds or individual dogs and cats who exhibit brachycephalic traits that increase surgical risk. If you have a pet mixed with a brachycephalic breed, please email us (aplclinic@apl-shelter.org) a face photo of your pet (one from the side and one from the front of the face) to see if surgery at our facility is appropriate before scheduling.

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Pricing & Services for 2025: Click HERE for a full price list

​Regular Surgery Fees*

• Cats $70

• Female dogs <60lbs $250

• Female dogs 60-99lbs $275

• Female dogs 100+lbs $300

• Male dogs <60lbs $200

• Male dogs 60-99lbs $225

• Male dogs 100+lbs $250

 

Regular-Rate Vaccine Packages (available at time of spay/neuter)

• 1-year rabies, distemper, 1-year Sangamon County rabies tag $40

• 3-year rabies, distemper, 3-year Sangamon County rabies tag $70

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Reduced-Rate Surgery Fees*

• Cats $45

• Female dogs <60lbs $125

• Female dogs 60-99lbs $150

• Female dogs 100+lbs $175

• Male dogs <60lbs $100

• Male dogs 60-99lbs $125

• Male dogs 100+lbs $150

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Reduced-Rate Vaccine Packages (available at time of spay/neuter)

• 1-year rabies, distemper, 1-year Sangamon County rabies tag $30

• 3-year rabies, distemper, 3-year Sangamon County rabies tag $60

 

To receive reduced-rate pricing, owners must bring proof of Food Stamps, SSD/SSI, or VA disability benefits and a matching photo ID to their pet's appointment.

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*Additional charges apply to cryptorchid males (retained testicle(s)), females with pyometra, and pets requiring umbilical hernia repair. Additional charges may apply to giant breed dogs, severely overweight/obese dogs, geriatric patients, and pets requiring additional medications or special handling.

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Outdoor-Only Feral and Community Cats**

Feral cats $30 (wild/unsocialized, unowned outdoor cats; package includes vaccines and ear tip)

• • Feral cats must come to the clinic in a live release trap.

  • Walk-ins accepted. Visit our feral cat page for more info. ​

• Community cats $40 (friendly, unowned outdoor cats; package includes vaccines and ear tip)

  • Community cats may come to the clinic in a carrier.​

  • Appointments required. 

**Please call our office if you are unable to afford spay/neuter for outdoor cats you are caring for.

 

Payment is due at check-in. We accept cash and all major credit/debit cards. (We cannot process Care Credit.)

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Other Services (available at time of spay/neuter)

Microchip $15

Nail trim $5

E-collar, cat/small $5

E-collar, dog/medium-large $10

Canine heartworm test $15

Flea & ear mite treatment for cats $5

Flea & tick treatment for dogs $10

Dewormer for cats $5

Dewormer for dogs $10-15

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Drop-off & Pick-up Times

Please be prompt for all appointments times. We may assess a $25 boarding fee for late arrivals.

 

Drop-off is Monday-Friday from 8:00-8:30am.

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Pick-up times

• Monday-Thursday appointments: 7:30am the morning following surgery

• Friday appointments: 4:00pm the same day of surgery 

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Pre-operative Instructions ​

Kittens and puppies under 4 months old

• Feed a small meal the morning of surgery.

• Kittens and puppies should NOT have food withheld before surgery or they risk dangerously low blood sugar. 

• Give water as usual. 

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Dogs over 4 months old

• No food after midnight.

• Give water as usual.

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Cats over 4 months old

• Feed as usual. Do not withhold food prior to surgery. 

• Give water as usual. 

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When you arrive at the clinic

• Bring all cats in a clean and secure plastic carrier. We are not responsible for animals who get loose or are lost due to unsafe or inadequate carriers.

• If you do not have cat carrier, you may purchase a cardboard carrier for $5. 

• Feral cats strongly preferred in live traps.

• Leave your dog in the car when you arrive and come check-in at the clinic lobby. Clinic staff will direct you when to bring your dog indoors. 

• Please bring all dogs on a leash or in a small carrier. 

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Vaccines

Our veterinarians strongly recommend that your pet's vaccines (rabies, distemper, bordetella for dogs) are up-to-date when coming for surgery. Rabies vaccines are required for all pets and are available for $15 at the time of surgery. If your pet's rabies vaccine is up-to-date, please bring proof of that vaccine to your appointment. APL cannot be held responsible for contagious diseases for which your pet was not previously properly vaccinated. 

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Certain medical conditions may affect your pet's fitness for surgery. Please call or email us if your pet has any of the following conditions: 

• retained testicle (cryptorchid)

• heart murmur

• previous abdominal surgery

• history of seizures

• is currently nursing a litter

• significantly overweight

• is taking any medications, especially steroids or pain medications

• any other pre-existing medical conditions

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Post-operative Instructions

For a full list of post-operative instructions click HERE. ​APL will treat at our clinic, at minimal cost, any post-operative complications resulting directly from the surgery if post-operative instructions have been followed in full. Your regular veterinarian must address illnesses or injuries that are not a direct result of surgery. Please call for an appointment as soon as you see cause for concern: 217-789-7729.​

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