Does pet insurance cover neutering?

• Preventing serious illnesses: it reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer, as well as uterine infections such as pyometra.

• Birth control: it prevents unwanted litters, helping to reduce pet abandonment.

• Improved behaviour: it often reduces behaviours such as territorial marking, aggression and escaping to look for a mate.

• Increased life expectancy: neutered pets often live longer, as the risks associated with certain illnesses and accidents related to reproduction are lowered.

• Compliance with the Animal Welfare Law: in some autonomous communities of Spain, neutering is recommended or even compulsory in certain circumstances, such as with adopted pets.

The neutering procedure varies depending on the sex of the pet:

• Males: in male dogs and cats, the procedure consists of surgical castration, which involves removing the testicles. It is a relatively simple procedure with a quick recovery time.

• Females: in females, sterilisation can involve the removal of the ovaries (ovariectomy) or the ovaries and the uterus (ovariohysterectomy). This procedure is more complex than for males, but it is still safe and highly beneficial.

A general anaesthetic is applied in both instances. Post-operative care is essential to ensure good recovery.

There is no set age limit for neutering a pet, but it is important to bear certain factors in mind:

• Recommended age: generally speaking, sterilisation is recommended at between 6 and 12 months of age, when the pet has reached sexual maturity but before they develop any issues related to reproduction.
• Senior pets: even though neutering older animals can be more risky due to their state of health, it is still possible with prior assessment from a vet. In these cases, an exhaustive analysis is made to ensure the procedure is safe.

Each pet is unique, which is why you should discuss the decision to neuter with a vet so that they can assess the age, state of health and specific needs of the dog or cat.

No, although both terms relate to protecting your pet, there are key differences:

• Pet insurance: this is a broader policy that may include multiple items, such as civil liability for damage to third parties, compensation for theft, death due to illness or accident and veterinary care. The aim is to provide comprehensive protection for both the pet and the owner.

• Veterinary insurance: this focuses specifically on covering expenses that relate to the pet’s health, such as consultations, treatments, surgeries and hospitalisations. It is a guarantee within pet insurance that focusses on medical care.

The cost of neutering a dog can vary depending on factors such as the size and sex of the pet and the veterinary clinic chosen. As regards our excesses, prices range from 80 to 150 euros. For example, neutering a female dog may cost between 90 and 150 euros, depending on its weight, whereas it is often less expensive for male dogs, set at 80 euros.

The cost of neutering a cat also varies depending on the sex. For males, according to our excess, the price is 70 euros, whereas for females it costs 90 euros. 

Remember that, even though neutering involves an initial outlay, it is an investment in the health and well-being of your pet, preventing illness and unwanted behaviours. The discounts and additional benefits make it an affordable and highly recommended option.