virginia: I am getting a Papillon, and I am going to get it spayed. I was wondering how much it costs in Virginia. Where's the best place to go, for the lowest price?|||If you live in Northern Virginia go the the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (you do not need to be an Alexandria resident) and ask about their reduced spay/neuter program. They have a listing of veterinary clinics and animal hospitals in the area that participate in their program. You buy the reduced spay/neuter certificate from them and then call the animal hospital you chose to set up the appt. The price depends on which animal hospital you choose and the sevices they include. I chose Del Ray Animal Hospital over near Potomac Yards. It was a little pricier than some of the the others but I know they have a great reputaion. The total was right around $225.|||Most areas have discount spay and neuter clinics. Call a local rescue or the SPCA because they can probably recommend one in the area. There are lots of options when getting your pet spayed to consider. Remember that a spay is fairly intrusive and must be painful for your pup. You will be offered things like a fluids IV during the surgery to help the dog stay hydrated (and heal faster afterwards) and a variety of pain meds. Some places offer pain meds in pill form, or shots or both. These all add to the cost. It's hard to know what to do. Some dogs bounce back very quickly and others seem to be feeling it for a while, it's hard to tell which camp your dog will fall into. If you can get the dog a pain shot that's given after the surgery, I'd go with that. They're strong and may be enough if your dog bounces back quickly. Then, if they need more you can always go back and get pills. Please consider this in your cost, I know many people don't and its not fair to the dog. Who would want to have your dog in pain when $20 of pills can make them more comfortable!