When we have surgery on our pet most of us are worried about the safety, the success, and yes even the cost of a particular procedure.  All three of these concerns are related as a surgery done properly without complications or cutting corners will also insure the safety of our furry pets with the utmost comfort available.  While there are low cost spay and neuter clinics that have an assembly line approach, this is not typical surgery and other than in some 3rd world countries,this is not how surgical procedures are performed on humans either.  All surgeries must start in the competent hands of an experienced practitioner (not an unsupervised fresh out of school Doctor) who has the correct diagnosis, is not neglecting or missing other health problems, recognizes potential complications before they occur, and is able to accomplish a successful surgical procedure with proper the aftercare.  Keeping the proper surgical equipment available for all emergencies, making sure the instruments are kept exceptionally sterile to the highest standards, having specially trained and licensed Vet technicians who have experience to assist and monitor, and having a clean caring facility with the proper veterinary support staff to care for your pet is by all accounts expensive.  Many people just look at the end result- as an example "A lump was removed from my pet by the vet". To correctly proceed with the best treatment for that tumor means first determining that in fact surgery is the best option, then if so fully removing it without leaving any microscopic remains behind, safely  getting your pet thru surgery, and finally managing aftercare pain relief and future concerns. To accomplish this your veterinarian needs experience, smarts, thoroughness, lots of support staff, a special facility, educated owners, and yes, all of this care adds up. In the end we want to perform surgery correctly, with the greatest margin of safety as well as the absolute best chance of a successful outcome!!!!  

Dr Yach