Neutered Rabbit Cost

Cost to Neuter A Rabbit

Last Updated on December 31, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Pet overpopulation is a major problem in modern society. In this context, sterilization is the wisest decision. Not only dogs and cats are the species where neutering should be considered. Rabbits are increasingly popular pets. For the good of the animal, but also that of the owner, neutering should be discussed (and implemented) by every bun lover.

How Much Does It Cost to Neuter A Rabbit?

If you have a male rabbit and you want to neuter it, you should plan on spending anywhere between $80 and $750. According to consumer surveys, the average cost in the United States of America is $210.

However, during the surgery other costs may also appear because some vets may want to solve any other health problems while the animal is under anesthesia. Also, some vets may require other procedures that can increase the cost, like a full blood analysis or extra pain medication. During the surgery, other health problems might also occur, which will lead to a cost increase.

So, before taking your rabbit in for neutering, you should get its health checked.

It is important to say that neutering applies only to male rabbits and if you have a female rabbit, you should consider spaying her. The costs for spaying a female rabbit are 10% to 25% higher than neutering a male rabbit. The reason is that this procedure is more invasive.

Rabbit neutering procedure overview

Neutering, known also as orchidectomy or castration is the process by which the reproductive organs and gonads (male rabbit’s testes) are removed. After surgery, hormone production stops.

Before surgery

The most important preparation for the surgery is not to change the rabbit’s routine in any way.

Do not withhold the rabbit food in preparation for surgery. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits cannot vomit, so there is a minimal risk of aspiration into the lungs during anesthesia. It is much more dangerous to empty the digestive tract, which significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal stasis, the latter representing a potentially fatal post-operative problem.

Do not change the rabbit’s diet.

It is recommended to bring the rabbit its normal food and favorite rewards during hospitalization.

Minimize the rabbit’s stress.

If the rabbit has a special bond with another rabbit, then it should be brought to the hospital to visit its friend but talk to the veterinarian beforehand. Separation before surgery can be traumatic and stressful. Post-operatively, the rabbits can be kept separately, so that they can see and smell each other. After healing, bring the rabbits together.

You might also like our articles on the cost of Angora rabbits, Flemish Giant rabbits, or Lionhead rabbits.

During surgery

There are 2 main methods of carrying out the procedure – closed and open. Each of them has certain peculiarities.

In closed sterilization, it is not necessary to cut the skin. The testes sac should be drawn horizontally to the side, then tightly closed with a surgical knot. This is done until a crunch is heard in the spermatic cord. No further action should be taken. On days 3-6, the scrotum and testes will dry out and fall off.

In the case of open castration, the vet will make a small incision in the scrotum itself or in front of the genital organ at the base of the scrotum. Before that, the rabbit will be shaved in that area and prepared. After the vet will remove the rabbit’s testes, he will close the incision with some sutures.

Most rabbits can get back home within 24 hours of the surgery.

Caring for your rabbit after surgery

Keep the rabbit quiet and without the ability to run or jump.

Handle the rabbit with care. Lift and carry the rabbit in the correct way: supporting the whole body and controlling the hind limbs. If you are not sure, ask the veterinary staff in the office which is the best method to lift and carry the animal.

Make sure that the rabbit has enough water and that it has his favorite food such as green leaves, hay, and grasses.

Closely monitor the rabbit’s appetite, water intake, and fecal elimination. If the appetite is reduced or absent, or if any other problem occurs, contact the veterinarian immediately.

It seems that it takes a while for the hormone level to change after the surgery. So, a male rabbit does not become sterile until about three weeks after the surgery. Other behaviors, such as spraying or mounting, may disappear only after a few weeks or months. So, if we want to make friends with two bunnies of the opposite gender, both newly sterilized or of which only the boy has been sterilized, it is good to wait at least 4-6 weeks after sterilization.

Should I neuter my rabbit?

Rabbit After NeuteringIn most cases, the answer is a definite YES. If you do not plan to give out the rabbit for breeding, then neutering will extend the rabbit’s life expectancy and make it a better companion for you.

Neutering eliminates the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. In places with more rabbits, mistakes can be made in identifying the gender and thus unwanted pregnancies can occur.

Neutering also reduces the risk of false or pseudo-pregnancy in females, which can cause unwanted behavior such as nesting or digging.

Neutering reduces the risk of uterine cancer and other reproductive diseases. Adult unsterilized rabbits are at increased risk for uterine cancer. Depending on the race, the incidence of uterine cancer can be up to 60%.

Castration/sterilization improves the condition of the rabbit. When rabbits reach breeding maturity, they can become territorial, aggressive, and destructive. These changes lead to cumbersome handling of the rabbit, and difficult litter training and males are more likely to spray with urine.

At what age should I neuter my rabbit?

Depending on the breed, rabbits reach breeding maturity at an age between 4 and 8 months. This is the moment when surgical intervention can be instituted.

Rabbits older than 2 years, and especially those older than 4-5 years, carry risks regarding anesthesia and surgery. The abdomen is flooded with fat, some organs may be weakened, and some diseases/tumors may already be in progress.

Neuter the rabbit as soon as possible to be sure that the surgery is a success and the animal will be healthy.

Where to take my rabbit for neutering?

Clinics with experienced vets, who perform this procedure regularly, are the best places to take your rabbit for neutering.

You can find a list of vets across the United States that have a great success rate on The Rabbit Society website. Plus, there are important questions to ask your vet before deciding on having this procedure for your rabbit.

The best vets are those who have a success rate of a minimum of 99%, while those with a rate of 90% are not that good.

Myths about rabbit neutering

Rabbits become less friendly after neutering

Your rabbit will still look for your attention even after the surgery.

Rabbits become lazy and fat after neutering

Neutered rabbits need less food and tend to gain weight more easily, so reduce their portion of dry food a little and provide them with hay at their discretion to keep them from getting overweight.

Final words

Neutering is recommended for most healthy and old enough rabbits as it comes with many benefits both for the animal and the owner. You should be prepared to spend a minimum of $80 for this procedure, but it’s better to choose a reputable vet, which may cost a little bit more.

Alec Pow
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