Believe or not, spaying your pets is one of the most responsible things a pet lover and owner can do. One of the benefits of spaying a pet is preventing any offspring that may lead to more stray animals in the street. The cost of spaying a female pet could go from $35 up to $600 depending on its current health. However, the hanging question is, does pet insurance cover spaying?

Pet insurance can help pet owners to manage the cost of veterinary procedures like examination fees, dental services, and therapies. However, there are few insurance companies that offer pet insurance which includes spaying or neutering. Performing this procedure can also be more expensive than getting a wellness plan — a plan which covers or reimburses planned costs like spaying or neutering.

What is Spaying?

Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a medical procedure that removes the reproductive organs of a female animal. Once a female pet gets spayed, it won’t go into heat. During the breeding season, female felines usually go into heat for four to five days every three weeks and tend to attract males by yowling and urinating.

There are many effects that your pet can benefit from after a spaying procedure. Spayed pets can live a longer and healthier life than unspayed pets. The procedure prevents uterine infections and breast tumors which are malignant or cancerous in about 90 percent of cats and 50 percent of dogs. It is highly recommended to get your pet spayed before her first heat.

How Much Do Pet Wellness Plans Cost?

A basic wellness plan can usually cost around $20 to $25 per month and can go higher depending on certain factors like the type of pet, its age, and the location of its residence. Some wellness plans offer different levels of coverage which could increase the overall cost.

Where Can I Get a Pet Wellness Plan?

There are many veterinary clinics and pet hospitals that offer wellness plans for their patients. The plan includes annual exams, vaccines, early screening diagnostics, parasite prevention, and dental care from a professional.

Here are some benefits of pet insurance and pet wellness plans for comparison: 

Pet insurance

  • examination fees
  • illnesses and injuries
  • dental injury and disease
  • holistic therapies
  • chronic and hereditary conditions
  • unexpected death
  • vacation cancelation costs
  • emergency boarding
  • lost pet flyers and reward

Pet wellness plans

  • annual exams
  • spaying/neutering
  • teeth cleaning
  • grooming & nail trimming
  • flea, tick & heartworm preventatives
  • blood, urine, and fecal tests
  • behavior exam and training
  • microchipping
  • vaccinations

Are Pet Wellness Plans Worth It?

It actually depends on the recommended care for your pet like the frequency of treatments and preventive measures. With the right coverage from a wellness plan, you can prevent any unexpected costs for your pet.

Just be mindful of the compatibility of your pet’s annual wellness needs. It’s important that you know exactly what is and isn’t covered in your wellness plans before taking one. It’s best to research different insurance companies and compare their wellness programs to see which choice is the best for you and your pet.