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Average Cost of a Vet Visit for Dogs in 2024: Updated Price Guide

By Nicole Cosgrove

Updated on Jan 2, 2024

From food to toys and accessories, the cost of owning a dog can quickly add up. When you add in veterinary visits, it can become surprisingly expensive. Most people make the mistake of assuming that owning a dog is inexpensive — just buy a few toys and budget for food costs, and you’re good to go. But there are more costs that need to be taken into consideration — most importantly, the costs concerning your dog’s health and well-being.

How Much Is a Vet Visit for a Dog?

The cost of a vet visit for your dog can vary widely depending on the context. Is your dog simply going in for a routine checkup, or is there something more serious at hand? Aside from routine vaccinations, your dog will need to go for regular checkups at least once or twice a year, and you can expect to pay between $50-$100 per visit.

Over time, visits to the vet can really add up. If you're looking for a good pet insurance plan that won't break the bank, you may want to look at Lemonade . This company offers adjustable plans customized to your pet's needs.

• Check vital signs, including temperature, pulse, weight, and respiration.
• Do a physical examination, with a head-to-tail inspection of your dog’s coat, legs, and joints to check for any swelling or pain.
• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
• Do diagnostic health screenings depending on your dog’s age, including blood count, urinalysis, and X-rays.

Depending on your dog’s age and condition, your vet may recommend additional diagnostics, including a biochemistry profile and thyroid hormone testing. For older dogs, these may include additional X-rays to check for any joint degeneration.

• Dental cleaning . Routine dental cleaning is highly recommended to prevent dental disease and can range from anywhere between $300-$800, depending on the severity.
• Heartworm tests . Most vets recommend this test at least once annually, and it usually costs around $50 for a blood sample to be sent to a lab. Heartworm is a serious disease, and this is a relatively low cost to make sure your dog is all clear.
• Fecal examinations . Also recommended at least once annually, fecal exams are helpful for checking whether your dog has any parasites, such as hookworms. They typically cost between $25-$50.

Standard Vet Procedures Regional Pricing Sheet

Source: https://www.banfield.com/Services/price-estimator

Additional Vet Costs for Dogs

If your vet discovers anything out of the ordinary during a routine checkup, there will likely need to be additional tests and thus, additional costs. In general, your vet will only need to perform additional tests if they need to narrow down the issue with your dog so they can prescribe a sufficient treatment. Sometimes, though, they may know what’s wrong right away. Still, there may be a procedure or medication that is required, which can result in extra costs.

• Tooth extractions. Your dog may have damaged a tooth, have tooth decay, or have an infection and need to have a tooth removed. The fees for this procedure can depend on several factors, including the breed and temperament of your dog, the severity of the infection, and which part of your dog’s mouth is affected. In general, you can expect to pay as little as $40 or up to $400 for severe cases.
• Geriatric screenings. For dogs 7 years or older, your vet will usually recommend a geriatric screening. This is a more comprehensive checkup that involves complete bloodwork, X-rays, urinalysis, fecal analysis, etc. You can expect to pay $80-$120 for this additional screening.
• Allergy testing. Your vet may suspect that your pooch has an allergy of some kind and will need to perform a test. This is done with either an intradermal skin test, which can cost between $200-$250, or a blood test, which can typically cost around $200-$300.

What to Expect Financially From an Emergency Vet Visit

If your dog has an emergency, the bill can potentially run into the thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. This will be even more expensive if your dog needs emergency care after hours. Your dog may need additional tests, which can be expensive, or they may go straight into treatment.

• Typical ER exam: $70-$150
• Basic blood tests: $70-$150
• Basic urine tests: $20-$50
• Catheter: $50-$70
• IV fluids: $50-$80
• X-rays: $70-$150
• Medication: $50-$150
• Hospitalization: $50-$200 (per night)

Remember that these prices will vary depending on your dog’s age and breed. This is because older dogs and large breeds are more difficult to care for than younger, smaller breeds.

Which Vet Bills Do Pet Insurance Companies Cover?

It’s important to adequately research what a pet insurance company offers in their plan before signing up, so you are not in for any surprises. Every pet insurance company has varying plans with different pricing, but they should all offer you peace of mind knowing that your dog is covered.

Depending on your provider, you can get comprehensive, “nose-to-tail” coverage that covers a wide range of vet bills, but this will be the most expensive plan.

• Routine checkups
• Accidents and injuries (poisonings, broken bones)
• Chronic illnesses (allergies, arthritis)
• Common illnesses (infections, diarrhea)
• Serious illness (cancer, heart disease)
• Diagnostics and testing (X-rays, blood tests)
• Emergency care( hospitalization, surgery)
• Wellness procedures (vaccinations, spaying, and neutering)

Alternatively, you can choose a less expensive policy with fewer benefits. Some policies may only cover basic veterinary care or only accidents and illnesses, and these can be as little as $5-$10 per month. Some companies allow you to personally tailor your policy. Whatever you choose, make sure your provider is clear about exactly what is covered, so you know exactly what to expect during a vet visit.

How Often Should Dogs Go To the Vet?

Generally speaking, all dogs should have a general checkup with a vet at least once a year. Puppies will need to go more often — every 2-3 months or so — because they’ll need vaccinations and checks for parasites. An annual wellness exam is an essential part of routine health maintenance for your dog , as important as good nutrition, regular exercise, and training. It can help prevent illness and disease that could end up costing much more if left unchecked.

The cost of vet visits is an essential and unavoidable part of owning a dog , and there is no way of getting around the fact that it can be expensive at times, which is why dedicated pet insurance can be so helpful. Emergency visits can quickly add up to thousands of dollars, and even routine visits can get expensive. Remember that the age and breed of your dog will also play large parts in the costs involved, so it helps to be prepared.

Your dog is a part of your family, and along with initial costs and things like food and toys, regular veterinary care is an essential expense that should not be overlooked. It’s always essential to evaluate your financial situation, your time, and your dedication before buying a pooch. One thing is for sure, though, the joy that your four-legged friend brings you is certainly worth the cost!

Featured Image Credit: Ruth Black, Shutterstock

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How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Here's Everything You Need To Know

When you’re ready to adopt a pet, you may not always be thinking about their future veterinary costs. But it’s important to consider vet fees when working out your budget for caring for your pet over the next several years.

Not only will your pet need food, grooming, toys, and other supplies, but they’ll need to go to the vet at least once per year. You may also need to pay for emergency services if your pet gets hurt or sick, and those can add additional strain to your budget.

But how much does it cost to go to the vet ? Unfortunately, the answer is: “it depends.” While most regular vet services can cost $100 or less, some procedures and treatments can cost thousands.

As a pet rescue and foster who works with a pet rescue nonprofit in Brooklyn, I've seen my fair share of veterinary bills - ranging from low-cost "mom-and-pop" practices to higher-end practices with state-of-the-art diagnostics and surgeons.

Here, I’ll break down what you can expect when taking your pet to the vet:

• The basic costs involved in a vet visit
• Standard veterinary expenses
• How pet type can influence the costs of a vet visit
• How breed can influence vet costs
• What to expect from a visit to the vet
• Potential fees associated with emergency vet visits
• How to cover veterinary costs without depleting your savings
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Basic Cost of a Vet Visit

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the price of veterinary services has been rising steadily since the turn of the millennium. In 2016, the Veterinary Services Price Index was outpacing the Consumer Price Index by more than 25 percentage points .

Pet ownership is increasing, and the costs of veterinary care are also on the rise.

Veterinary care is in much higher demand than it ever was, in part because pet owners are treating their pets differently. In one study, 95% of pet parents consider their pets a part of their family. People are spending more on their pets, and they’re more willing to bring them to the vet for regular checkups.

A Breakdown of Standard Veterinary Expenses

Vet expenses vary widely depending on what services your veterinarian is providing. Veterinary practices charge for services like physical exams, diagnostic services, lab work, surgical procedures, anesthesia, hospitalization, and even overnight boarding.

Many of these services can be covered by pet insurance , which would reimburse a percentage of your out of pocket expenditures after you pay your vet.

An appointment for surgery will cost much more than a wellness visit, and regular treatments, such as those for cancer, can add up to a considerable sum over time. Here are some of the most common veterinary services and how much they typically cost.

Tests, Examinations, and Initial Vet Costs:

• Routine checkups: $50 to $250
• Spay/neuter: $160 to $220
• Vaccines per shot: $15 to $28
• Physical exams: $45 to $55
• Fecal exam: $25 to $45
• Heartworm test: $45 to $50
• Dental cleaning : $70 to $400
• Allergy testing: $195 to $300
• Geriatric screening: $85 to $110

Surgeries and Unexpected Vet Costs*:

• Bloodwork: $80 to $200
• X-rays : $150 to $250
• Ultrasounds: $300 to $600
• Short hospitalizations: $600 to $1,700
• Long hospitalizations: $1,500 to $3,500
• Wound treatment: $800 to $2,500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $5000
• Oxygen therapy: $500 to $3000

(*Based on estimates by Emergency Vets USA )

Again, these prices may vary depending on where you live, what type of animal you have, what breed you have, and their health history. Even a routine exam fee can vary state-by-state. According to the ASPCA , recurring medical expenses for a dog can range from $210 to $260 depending on their size.

The good news is that you can lower the costs of these services significantly with pet insurance . For example, if you have a pet insurance plan that reimburses you for 90% of covered costs, that $5,000 emergency surgery could end up costing you just $500 out of pocket.

Pet insurance lowers out-of-pocket vet costs.

Plans can reimburse 60-100% of eligible expenses.

Average Vet Costs for the First Year of Owning a Dog or Cat

The APSCA estimates that the first year of owning a dog can cost as much as $2,000 or more , depending on the size of the animal. Meanwhile, the cost of owning a cat can cost up to $1,174 on average.

However, these costs are assuming you’ll only need to bring your pet in for regular visits and won’t have any unexpected charges on your vet bill. If a regular visit costs about $250 and you bring a new dog to the vet only once, the rest of your spending can go to supplies like food, toys, and treats.

If your pet needs some of the unexpected services listed above because they develop an illness or need additional tests, you could end up paying substantially more out of pocket if you don’t have pet insurance.

How Pet Type Can Influence the Costs of a Vet Visit

It’s difficult to nail down the costs of vet care because veterinary medicine differs depending on the type of pet you own. Caring for a smaller animal like a cat or rabbit is generally much less expensive than caring for a large or medium-sized dog — or a horse, for that matter.

Today’s pets are also living longer than ever thanks to advances in medical care and better pet diets. If you have an older pet , you can expect to have higher veterinary costs because pets tend to need more care as they age. Older pets should get regular veterinary examinations so your vet can check for problems.

AVMA notes that “while it’s easy to spot the outward signs of aging such as graying haircoat and slower pace, it’s important to remember a pet’s organ systems are also changing. An older pet is more likely to develop diseases such as heart, kidney and liver disease, cancer, or arthritis. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats have a somewhat lower rate.”

Other factors that can influence veterinary costs are your pet’s weight, health history, and temperament . For example, if your dog is overly aggressive when you bring them to the vet, you may need to give them medication to keep them calm and muzzle them. In some cases, the vet may need to sedate your pet so they can examine them, which can add to your costs.

How Breed Affects Veterinary Costs

The breed of your pet also impacts veterinary costs. When discussing breed, we’re generally discussing dogs.

There are over 190 recognized dog breeds in the United States and only 42 cat breeds. This is partially due to the history of dog breeding and how dogs were used as herders, hunters, and other types of working animals in the past. Still, some cat breeds do have fewer health issues than others.

Many pet insurance plans cover breed-specific issues. If you have a pet breed that tends to have certain conditions, investing in pet insurance could help significantly if those conditions arise.

Some common breed-specific conditions include the following:

• Bladder stones
• Brachiocephalic syndrome (due to narrow nasal passage)
• Ear infections
• Hip dysplasia
• Knee and elbow dislocations
• Slipped discs

If you’re unsure about your pet’s breed-specific conditions, ask your veterinarian about what you can expect.

What to Expect From a Visit to the Vet

A typical visit to the veterinarian can cost as little as $50 depending on the pet being examined and their needs. But, as we mentioned before, those costs can go up if your pet has an unexpected illness or if they need other types of routine care.

Your First Visit

On your pet’s first visit, your veterinarian will conduct a general health screening and wellness exam. They’ll enter your pet’s information into their records. You can expect them to do the following:

• Weigh your pet
• Listen to their heart and lungs
• Take their temperature
• Check their ears, eyes, and genitalia
• Examine their teeth and mouth
• Examine their feces (you may need to bring a sample)
• Give your pet vaccinations (if necessary)
• Test for common diseases (if necessary)
• Determine your pet’s vaccination schedule

The Wellness Exam

Similar to an initial health screening, a wellness exam determines the overall health of your pet. Your regular veterinarian will do a physical examination of your pet, but they’ll also ask you questions about your pet’s behavior, diet, and lifestyle patterns.

A basic vet visit might cost $50, but expenses quickly add up with illnesses and injuries.

For example, it’s normal for dogs to curl up and sleep throughout the day, but if your dog is acting particularly lethargic, this could be a symptom of an underlying condition. Your vet would need to know about this behavior.

Similarly, even the healthiest cats will vomit from time to time . But if they are vomiting often — more than once or twice per week — it could indicate a health condition. This is why it’s important to be completely open about your pet’s behavior with your vet .

Once your veterinarian has assessed the wellness of your pet, they’ll discuss preventative steps you can take to avoid problems. They may recommend you use preventive treatments for fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworm. They’ll go over your pet’s nutrition needs, weight management, what pet food you should use, dental care, and more.

Scheduling Routine Check-Ups

Most veterinarians recommend you bring your pet to them at least once per year, but preferably more. Unfortunately, some pet parents bring their pets to the vet less often.

According to a study by the AVMA , about 8% of pet parents don’t bring their pets in for routine checkups once per year. Still, 51% bring them in once per year and the remaining 41% bring them even more often.

Over 50% of pet owners took their pet to the vet for a routine checkup at least one time in the previous year.

A routine check-up will typically involve a physical examination, a wellness check, and vaccine booster shots, if necessary. If you want to be reimbursed for this kind of routine care, you'll need a wellness plan .

Unexpected Veterinary Costs

If your veterinarian discovers anything out of the ordinary during your pet’s first visit or a subsequent wellness exam, they may wish to do additional tests to determine what’s wrong with your pet.

Generally, veterinarians will only do additional testing if they need to narrow down the possibilities of your pet’s condition to make an accurate diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to ask about the costs of testing beforehand . Once your veterinarian is confident in their diagnosis, they’ll discuss plans for treatment with you.

If your pet is sick or injured, you’ll have to pay some unexpected veterinary costs. This is where pet insurance is essential . Depending on the severity of your pet’s condition, you could have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to treat your pet.

If your pet needs life-saving care, they may be admitted to an animal hospital overnight. You’ll need to pay for the boarding of your pet, for any tests conducted to determine what’s wrong, as well as for treatment to make your pet better.

Pet insurance coverage means you only have to pay for a fraction of what you’d normally owe in vet bills.

Health Issues & Vet Costs to be Aware of

• Dog Teeth Cleaning
• Kennel Cough
• Heartworm Disease
• Lyme Disease
• Leptospirosis
• Dog X-Ray Costs

Potential Fees Associated with Emergency Vet Visits

An emergency visit occurs when your pet needs immediate or life-saving care and they can’t wait until regular business hours for an appointment. Thankfully, many veterinary clinics and animal hospitals provide out-of-hours veterinary care for emergencies. If you’re a new pet owner, you should identify your nearest emergency clinic just in case.

If your pet has an emergency, contact your veterinary emergency services provider immediately and speak to the person on-duty. They’ll give you advice over the phone, or they’ll suggest you bring your pet in for treatment.

After your pet is examined, the emergency care vet will discuss whether they need to do additional tests or whether you can move on to treatment. It’s at this point that your costs will begin to go up.

Emergency veterinary fees are typically higher than fees associated with regular care. According to Preventive Vet , a typical emergency visit may involve the following fees:

• ER exam: $75 - $125
• IV catheter: $60 - $75
• IV fluids : $50 - $75
• Blood tests (basic): $75 - $150
• Urine tests (basic): $25 - $50
• X-rays (basic): $75 - $250
• Blood pressure measurement: $25 - $75
• Pain medication: $40 - $80
• Hospitalization / Vet Tech Monitoring: $50 - $200

TOTAL: $475 - $1,080

This is not including any additional costs for treatment, which is dependent on your pet’s condition. This is why the costs of emergency veterinary care vary so much. It’s also the reason financing options and pet insurance are so important during emergencies.

How To Cover Veterinary Costs Without Depleting Your Savings

Clearly, comparing pet insurance options is a must. With a comprehensive pet insurance plan, you won’t have to worry about choosing between your pet’s emergency care and breaking your bank. Good coverage ensures you can get them the care they need right when they need it and gain peace of mind in knowing your prepared for an emergency ( even for rescue pets ).

However, pet health insurance works differently than human health insurance . Most pet insurance providers pay you, the policy holder, instead of the practice or doctor. That means you don't have to worry about find a veterinarian who's "in-network", you can go to any vet you please and get reimbursed just the same - but that also means that you will generally have to pay the cost upfront while you wait for your reimbursement.

Ideally, you should pay for the upfront vet cost on a credit card with a good rewards incentive. For example, if your credit card offer 3% cash back on purchases, by using that card to pay the initial bill you'll be effectively reducing the cost by 3%. Then, in just a few days your pet insurance provider will reimburse you for the bill and you can pay off that credit charge with the reimbursement.

For example, let's pretend you have a policy with 90% reimbursement and a $250 deductible...

Your vet bill is $1237, you put it on your credit card which give 3% cash back. Your plan reimbursed you for 90% of the cost after the deductible is met. In this case, let's say it's the first vet cost of the year so your $250 deductible is not yet met. Eight days after paying your vet bill your pet insurance provider reimburses you $888.30 (or ($1237 - $250)*0.9).

Your total cost would then be: $1237 - $888.30 - (3% back on $1237) = $311.59

That's a massive savings. And, if another issue arises your deductible is already paid for that year so you'll simply be reimbursed 90% (or what ever your policy indicates) on your next bill.

For example, vet bill #1 cost $1237 but it only cost you $311, then vet bill #2 comes in for $600 but it only costs you $42! Since your deductible was paid for in vet bill #1, you'll be reimbursed 90% of the full vet bill #2 plus 3% back on the initial bill (if you used a credit card with that reward rate)... $600 - 90% (or $540) - 3% (or $18) = $42.

This way, your bank account goes untouched and your savings are maximized.

Just make sure you get the right pet insurance policy at the best price, no matter the provider .

Do you want to find the best pet insurance?

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.css-3sl4ml{color:#E26C33;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-3sl4ml:hover{color:#E26C33;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;} Edwin Plotts .css-aqd080{font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;}@media screen and (min-width: 992px){.css-aqd080{font-size:21px;}} Director of Marketing & Foster/Rescue Parent - Pawlicy Advisor

Edwin Plotts rescues and rehomes cats in Savannah, GA - while leading Pawlicy Advisor 's brand growth. He's a pet parent of two rescued sibling cats: Greyson and Babs. He's also an avid volunteer with Flatbush Cats and The Toby Project.

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How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost?

Average veterinary pricing by procedure.

When your dog, cat, or other pet needs to see the vet, there are a variety of factors that can impact the total price of your final bill. Below, we'll explore some of the common reasons your pet may need to see a veterinarian, as well as the average costs for routine checkups or specialty treatments and procedures.

When to Take Your Pet to the Vet

Your pet may need to see a vet for many different reasons, and how much it costs depends on the type of vet visit. Common reasons to take a pet to the vet include:

• • Routine checkups : Routine  veterinary exams  are similar to human physicals. They're meant to help keep your pet healthy by assessing their overall wellness, treat any ongoing conditions, and follow up on any concerns you may have.
• • Vaccinations : You may have to set up a series of appointments to make sure your pet gets the properly scheduled vaccination shots to help prevent conditions like rabies and Bordetella.
• • Illness : Maybe your pet isn't drinking much water, or they're throwing up. You'll want to take them in for a sick visit, where your vet will check their baseline health and may recommend running some tests to figure out what's going on.
• • Emergencies : There may be a time that you're pet needs immediate medical attention, which means an emergency vet visit. Emergency visits can mean the difference between life and death, and you can expect that the  cost of an emergency vet visit  will be higher due to specialized equipment and treatments. 1
• • Surgical/Specialty visits : You may need to see a specialist to set up surgical procedures like  spaying or neutering ,  dental extractions , fracture repairs,  foreign object removal , or  cancer -related surgery or  chemotherapy treatment .

National Average Cost for a Vet Visit

The national average cost for a routine vet visit is between $25-$186. 2  During a routine veterinary appointment, your vet will perform a physical exam to assess your pet's health. The vet will likely check for:

• • Vitals : heart rate, breathing, temperature, weight
• • Signs of infection : ears, eyes, nose, mouth
• • Parasites : coat and skin

Average vet visit cost by state*

* To see all the states click here .

Routine Veterinary Exam Costs by Procedure

A routine veterinary exam is a good time to discuss any concerns you may have about your pet's health and to get preventive treatment for common health issues.

Dog and Cat Vaccine Pricing Info

On average, vaccinations for dogs and cats will cost between $20-$60, and can help protect them from catching serious diseases, like rabies. 4

Vaccination cost for dogs

Here are the average costs of some common vaccinations your dog may need:

Vaccination cost for cats

Here are the average costs of some common vaccinations your cat may need:

Veterinary Tests and Diagnostic Costs

You'll want to set up a special appointment with your vet if you think your pet is sick ( or worse ). For example, the following are symptoms your pet may exhibit which could require further evaluation, tests, and diagnosis from your veterinarian: 6

• • Increased thirst
• • Changes in appetite
• • Increased urination
• • Lethargy or tiredness
• • Panting
• • Coughing or sneezing
• • Weight gain or loss
• • Body odor
• • Breathing rate
• • Whining
• • Coat or skin changes
• • Behavior changes

If your pet is exhibiting signs of an illness, your vet will likely want to run some tests to help determine what's going on. They may require things like blood tests, X-rays, or fecal exams. 3

Once your vet has the results, they will provide a course of treatment to address the cause of your pet's symptoms and hopefully help your fur baby feel better.

Below is the average cost of diagnosing and treating some common health problems your pet may experience.

Emergency Vet Care Costs

An emergency veterinarian visit is an unscheduled trip to the vet to get help for your pet in an urgent or critical situation. There are many reasons you might need to take a pet to see an emergency veterinarian, such as: 8

• • Trauma : Bite wounds, electrical shock or being hit by a car
• • Toxins : When you know you're pet has consumed foods or chemicals that are poisonous, like antifreeze, human medications, chocolate, insecticides, certain plants and other toxic substances a visit to the emergency vet may be needed.

The price of an emergency vet visit will depend on the situation, but you can anticipate that it will be  more expensive  than a routine visit due to specialized care and testing. Below are the costs for initial assessment, stabilization, and treatment.

Surgery and Specialty Treatment Costs

If your pet has an underlying condition, or something is discovered as a result of testing during a wellness check, your vet may recommend specialized treatment. The cost of these treatments ranges widely depending on the type of care needed and the type of animal.

We've outlined some common treatments and average associated costs below:

Average Vet Visit Cost by State (Continued)

The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony") does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.

© 2023 Synchrony Bank.

1  Lee, Justine. “When to Bring Your Pet to the ER Vet,"Animal Emergency and Referral Center. Accessed January 20, 2023. Retrieved from:  https://aercmn.com/when-to-bring-your-pet-to-the-er-vet/

2  Average Pet Wellness Check Study by State, Conducted by ASQ 360 °  on behalf of CareCredit, August 2023.

3  Plotts, Edwin. “How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Here's Everything You Need To Know," Pawlicy Advisor. Accessed January 20, 2023. Retrieved from:  https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/vet-visit-cost

4  “Veterinary Services & Pricing," Access Veterinary Care. Accessed January 20, 2023. Retrieved from:  https://www.myaccessvetcare.com/veterinary-services

5  Batiari, Lila. “Puppy Deworming Schedule: Everything You Need to Know," PawlicyAdvisor. Accessed January 20, 2023. Retrieved from:  https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/puppy-deworming-schedule/

6  “How to tell if your cat is sick: Signs and Symptoms," Hillcrest. Accessed January 20, 2023. Retrieved from:  https://www.hillcrestanimals.com/site/blog-memphis-vet/2020/03/12/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-sick

7  Drexler, Abby. “How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick: 11 Common Symptoms," American Kennel Club. January 24, 2022. Retrieved from:  https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/5-common-signs-that-your-dog-is-sick

8  Croll, Maxime. “Average Cost of Pet Insurance: 2022 Facts and Figures," Value Penguin. March 1, 2022. Retrieved from:  https://www.valuepenguin.com/pet-insurance/average-cost-of-pet-insurance

10  “Pet Emergency Statistics and Veterinary Costs," Preventative Vet. Accessed January 20, 2023. Retrieved from:  https://www.preventivevet.com/pet-emergency-statistics

11  2023 Average Procedural Cost Study for Cosmetic, Dental and Veterinary Practices across the United States. ASQ360° Market Research, October 2023

12  “Cutting Pet Care Costs," ASPCA. Accessed July 7, 2022. Retrieved from:  https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cutting-pet-care-costs

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How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? 2024 Pricing Update

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Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Dogster Team

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There’s no denying that veterinary care costs have risen over the years. In 2010, pet owners spent about $13 billion  1 on veterinary care, while in 2020, spending went up to $31.4 billion 2 .

Vet visits have become more expensive due to factors such as inflation and increased demand. The services within the pet industry also continue to change as many current pet owners view their pets as family members and expect higher-quality care.

Compared to the past, pet care is looking pretty different these days, and it is important to keep up with trends so that you know what to expect if you currently live with a pet or are thinking of bringing home a new pet. Here are the updated costs of vet visits and what you can expect to pay.

As a general overview, basic annual vet visits for cats and dogs are between $35 to $80 and they can go up to $500 for specialized treatment. And for an exotic pet, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $150 for a routine visit.

The Importance of Vet Visits

Staying up to date with routine veterinary visits is one of the best things you can do for your pets. It’s very helpful to have professionals involved in your pet’s life because they can help your pet stay on top of vaccinations and screen for any diseases or conditions that your pet is prone to developing. They can also provide invaluable information that’ll help you be a better pet owner.

Since pets can’t verbally express their physical condition, vets can step in by using their expertise to look for any potential warning signs. They can help you decipher what your pet is trying to communicate.

Cats and dogs require annual vet visits for health checkups and updated rabies vaccines. However, it does not hurt to bring in small mammals and reptiles to your vet for routine checkups as well. Vets can check your pets for any parasites or abnormal developments.

How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost?

The cost of a vet visit will vary based on several different factors. One of the most significant factors is the services involved with the visit. Routine checkups with minimal testing will be the cheapest. If your pet needs vaccines or bloodwork done, you can expect prices to go higher. Screenings and the use of equipment, such as X-rays and CT scans, will also increase costs.

Your pet’s age will also affect costs. Younger kittens and puppies may have more expensive visits because they require more attention and need to complete their core vaccines. Older pets also tend to have more expensive vet visits because they may need to be screened for any age-related illnesses.

Lastly, geographic location may also contribute to the cost of vet visits.

So, with all these considerations in mind, you can expect basic annual vet visits to be between $35 to $80 for cats and dogs . If your visit consists of more specialized care, such as dental cleaning or cancer screening, you can expect prices to go up to about $300 to $500.

Despite their smaller size, exotic pets tend to have more expensive vet visits because they require more specialized care. The cost of routine exams will vary depending on the species of your exotic pet, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $150.

Some pets, such as fish, are less mobile and require home visits. These visits can cost several hundreds of dollars and will often heavily depend on the miles traveled by the vet.

Here’s a further breakdown of costs for various types of pets.

Average Vet Visit Costs per Species

5. Small Reptiles

• https://www.banfield.com/en/Services/price-estimator

Additional Costs to Anticipate

During routine visits, your vet may discover or suspect something that requires further examination. You may also end up having to pay for medication related to diseases or infections. Here are some additional costs you may face with different types of pets.

Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs can end up needing further examination for a variety of reasons. Here are some common additional costs you can expect from a vet visit:

• Flea and tick control: $40–$200
• Allergy test: $80–$300
• Heartworm test: $45–$50
• Non-complex skin mass sample: $180–$375
• Ear infection: $40–$150
• Feline leukemia virus testing (cats only): $60–$120
• https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/costs/
• https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/feline-leukemia-virus-infection

Small Mammals and Reptiles

Small mammals and reptiles tend to be low-budget pets, but they can sometimes require additional veterinary care. The following are common procedures your small mammal may need:

• Spaying/Neutering: $250–$350
• Ferret vaccines: $15–$20
• Fecal exam: $15–$30
• Blood test: $80–$200
• https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/care/evr_rb_how-much-does-it-cost-to-care-for-a-rabbit
• https://www.petmd.com/ferret/care/evr_ft_cost-of-caring-for-a-ferret

It’s also recommended for pet fish to go to the vet. Costs will vary since pet fish are diverse in size and needs. However, exotic vets will usually accept appointments for common pet fish including goldfish, bettas, and koi.

• At-home visit: $200–$300
• Ultrasound: $300

How Often Should I Take My Pet for a Vet Visit?

The frequency of vet visits will depend on the type of pet, the age, and if your pet has any chronic illnesses. Puppies, kittens, and some small mammals, such as young ferrets, require more frequent vet visits to get their vaccines and track their development.

Healthy adult pets usually only need about one vet visit a year. If you have an adult pet with chronic conditions, make sure to communicate with your vet to see how many times you should come in for follow-up appointments throughout the year.

Geriatric pets will also most likely require more frequent vet visits. As pets get older, they are more prone to developing health conditions and illnesses, such as an overactive thyroid, digestive issues, diabetes, and renal disease. It’s important to regularly monitor these conditions to make sure that your pet has the best quality of life possible.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Vet Visits?

Fortunately, pet insurance companies cover basic vet visits as long as you’re up to date with paying premiums and deductibles. You can also select more advanced or customized pet insurance plans that offer coverage for more services, such as x-rays, prescription medication, and care for chronic conditions.

If you have a relatively healthy pet, you can also enroll in wellness plans. For example, Banfield has its own wellness plan program. It’s not pet insurance and acts more like a membership program. By paying an annual fee, you can receive discounted prices for using Banfield products and services .

So, it doesn’t hurt to check if your veterinary clinic offers some sort of membership program to help reduce veterinary costs. It may be a more affordable route if you have a healthy pet and don’t want to get stuck paying premiums for a plan you don’t end up using.

What to Do for Your Pets in Between Vet Visits

Make sure that you receive answers to all the questions you have regarding your pet’s health. Then, be consistent with caring for your pet according to your vet’s instructions. Stay on top of giving your pets routine medication, such as heartworm pills and flea and tick medication. Be vigilant until your next vet visit.

One of the best things you can do is make sure that your pet is staying healthy and active. Pet obesity is an epidemic in the United States. Your pets won’t know the exact nutritional value of the food that you give them and won’t know how to control the amount of food they eat. So, it’s completely the owner’s responsibility to make sure that their pets are eating a healthy diet with appropriate portions and staying away from unhealthy human snacks and junk food.

Pets also rely on their owners to receive ample amounts of exercise. Make sure that your pets all have plenty of enrichment toys to keep them mentally stimulated and have opportunities to roam around and explore. Small pets can benefit from having a playpen where they can step out of their cages and run around.

The cost of vet visits will vary based on the type of pet, your pet’s age, and if they’re living with any chronic conditions. Vet visits may seem like unnecessary annual costs at times , but they can actually end up saving you money in the long run. Keeping up with routine vet visits can help screen for illnesses and issues at early stages and help you avoid paying for expensive surgeries.

You can also look into purchasing a pet insurance plan that includes coverage for vet visits. Pet insurance plans can be especially helpful for older pets with more health care needs.

Overall, vet visits are essential for the lifetime of your pet. With the continuous rise of pet ownership and the growth of the pet industry, we’ll most likely see veterinary care change with the demands. It will be interesting to see how costs are affected, and we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop with the latest updates as they arise.

• See also: Lab Newfie Mix: Care, Pictures, Info & More
• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-shows-millennials-demand-personalized-care-for-their-pets-to-remain-loyal-to-their-vets-300915777.html
• https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2020-02/pet-obesity-is-an-epidemic/

Featured Image Credit: Veronica Louro, Shutterstock

About the Author

Jessica Kim

Jessica is a freelance writer who spends most of her day researching and writing while her furry companion Cavapoo, Nora, snoozes beside her. She loves pets and animals because there’s so much to learn from them, and they do so much for us. As a dog mom, she understands the strong connection that pet parents have with their pets. So, she loves sharing helpful information that pet owners can use to better understand their pets. When she isn't writing, you may find her walking dogs, tending to her plants, or drinking her nth cup of coffee.

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A Complete Guide to Vet Visit Costs for Dog Owners

By Erica Rivera

We know how much your four-legged friends mean to you; they’re not just pets, they’re family. And as part of the family, you want to ensure they’re healthy, happy, and well cared for. But let’s be honest: vet visits sometimes give us sticker shock. Whether it’s just a routine checkup, specialized treatment, or an emergency visit, veterinary care can add up quickly – and the worst part is, when you walk through the door of your vet’s office, you don’t always know what kind of a bill you’re going to get slammed with. But you pay it because you can’t put a price on your pup’s wagging tail and slobbery kisses, right?

All that said, being a dog owner shouldn’t bankrupt you. That’s why we’ve rounded up some facts, figures, and tips about vet visit costs so you can budget accordingly without skimping on your pup’s healthcare. Because at the end of the day, we can all agree that canine companionship is priceless.

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Average cost of vet visits

First things first, let’s talk about the numbers. The average vet visit cost in the US ranges from $50 to $400, depending on various factors (which we’ll get into in a minute). Routine checkups usually fall on the lower end of the spectrum, while emergency visits and specialized services can cost a pretty penny.

Pawlicy Advisor has made a handy-dandy list of average vet visit expenses, which you can check out below.

Tests, examinations, and initial vet costs:

• Routine checkups: $50 to $250
• Spay/neuter: $160 to $220
• Vaccines per shot: $15 to $28
• Physical exams: $45 to $55
• Fecal exam: $25 to $45
• Heartworm test: $45 to $50
• Dental cleaning: $70 to $400
• Allergy testing: $195 to $300
• Geriatric screening: $85 to $110

And then there’s a whole other list of costs for big-ticket vet visits, courtesy of Emergency Vets USA .

Surgeries and unexpected vet costs:

• Bloodwork: $80 to $200
• X-rays: $150 to $250
• Ultrasounds: $300 to $600
• Short hospitalizations: $600 to $1,700
• Long hospitalizations: $1,500 to $3,500
• Wound treatment: $800 to $2,500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $5000
• Oxygen therapy: $500 to $3000

Factors that affect vet visit costs

Here are a few things that can impact the cost of your pup’s vet visit:

Type of pet and breed: All dog breeds are created equal, but their vet bills aren’t! A Great Dane and a Chihuahua have vastly different healthcare needs. And certain breeds are prone to specific health issues that may require more frequent checkups or treatments.

Age and health condition of the pet: As your fur baby ages, their healthcare needs change, which can impact the cost of vet visits. Senior dogs may require more specialized care, and if your pup has an existing health condition, that can add to the bill as well.

Geographical location: Where you live can also affect the cost of vet care. If you’re in the city, you may pay more due to higher operating costs. But if you’re in a more rural area, you may have fewer options for vet care, which could also impact the price.

Type of service required: Whether your pup needs a routine checkup or emergency care, the type of service they require can impact the cost of their visit. Emergency visits and after-hours care can be particularly pricey.

How to save on vet visit costs

Here are a few tips for keeping your pup healthy without breaking the bank:

Consider pet insurance: Pet insurance can help offset the costs of vet care, so you don’t have to worry about a big bill when your furry friend needs care.

Shop around for vets: Different vets may offer different prices for the same services, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices.

Keep up with routine care: By keeping up with routine checkups and preventative care, you can help prevent bigger health issues down the line – and save money in the long run.

As you can see, it’s crucial to understand the potential costs associated with vet visits so you can plan and budget for your dog’s healthcare needs. By knowing what things cost ahead of time, you can make informed decisions about your dog’s veterinary care. Remember, investing in your dog’s health now can save you both cold, hard cash, and heartache down the road.

This article was written in collaboration with ChatGPT.

Erica Rivera's freelance writing has appeared in New York magazine, USA Today, the Star Tribune, City Pages, and many other publications and anthologies. She has interviewed hundreds of artists, authors, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and changemakers over the course of her career. She is also the author of Insatiable (Penguin Group, 2009) and  Come Again (Thought Catalog Books, 2015). For more, visit: www.ericarivera.net .

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Average Cost of Vet Visit for Dog: How Much Will it Cost?

WRITTEN BY:

June 28, 2019

K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Here’s how it works .

No matter what kind of dog you have, or how well you care for her, she’ll need to go to the vet from time to time.

She’ll not only need vaccinations, but she’ll also need routine treatment for things like parasites, as well as checkups and dental cleanings.

But this causes many owners – particularly new owners – a bit of anxiety, as they wonder about the costs associated with these services. After all, there are roughly 135 million cats and dogs in the U.S., and pet owners spent $16 billion and change on veterinary services in 2017 to care for them .

That’s a lot of money spent at the vet’s office!  

It is true that some vet visits can end up costing quite a bit of money, but this isn’t always the case .

Some vet visits will turn out to be pretty affordable , and there are even a few things you can do to reduce the amount of money you spend on your pet’s care, without compromising her health and well-being.

We’ll talk about all of these issues and more below.   

Average Prices: How Much Is a Vet Visit for a Dog?

To go ahead and address the central question, you’ll likely spend about $50 to $100 for a typical visit .

But don’t stop reading yet, because there are a lot of caveats and details to discuss. In practice, veterinary costs – even for cookie-cutter things like a routine visit – vary greatly .

Your vet may charge $50 for a standard examination, while your friend’s vet will charge twice as much. For that matter, you could easily find two different members of the same national chain charging different prices.

Consequently, it is pretty tough to estimate the average cost of a veterinary visit . You’ll just have to pick up the phone and call around, as relatively few vets publish their fee structures online.  

With that said, one national chain – Banfield Pet Hospitals – does publish their basic fee structure .

I plugged in a few different cities (actually, zip codes) to determine the average pricing for a basic office visit. Obviously, these figures are subject to change, and the following table is for informational purposes only, but it should be pretty helpful.

Just consider these prices a rough guide.

I tried to pick a collection of cities that spanned the cost-of-living spectrum, as location is often a significant factor involved with vet pricing. But interestingly, Banfield’s fees don’t really vary by that much.

New Yorkers will pay 60 bucks for a standard office visit, while owners in South Bend will pay a bit more than $50.

Keep in mind that these figures only include the office visit .

Things like diagnostic tests, dog x-rays , procedures, and medications will all increase the amount you spend . You’ll spend less on routine visits than surgical procedures or complicated laboratory tests.  

But the table above only covers one vet chain. To get a better idea of the price range, we’ll have to look at more comprehensive data.  

According to a 2017-2018 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association , dog owners spent an average of $257 for routine services over the course of a year . The same study found that owners typically spent an average of $474 on surgical visits in a given year .   

If you assume the average pet would visit the vet twice or thrice a year, this means you’d be looking at about $85 to $128 per routine visit .

Note that, while it isn’t entirely clear, it appears that these costs included things like vaccinations, worming medications, and other common medications and treatments.

We found a few other estimates in various places:

• Wellness Pet Foods suggests that the average cost of a physical exam is $45 to $55 , but they don’t explain how they arrived at this figure. Nevertheless, it is in line with most other reports.
• CareCredit also provides some unsourced estimates. We’d normally be inclined to discount their figures, as their business model involves financing veterinary services (among other things), so they aren’t exactly an unbiased source. But their estimate for an office call — $45 to $55 – is right in line with most others .  
• PetPlus , a general pet information site, lists the average cost for an office call at the same price as the others — $45 to $55 . However, like most of the other sources we found, they don’t explain how they arrived at this figure.

How Much Do Common Veterinary Treatments Cost?

As you can see, the cost for a typical office visit is usually pretty reasonable. However, this will rarely represent the total cost – you’ll frequently need to pay for additional services the vet or staff provides during the visit. We’ll discuss a few of the most common services below.

How Much Does a General Dog Checkup Cost?

A general checkup will usually cost about the same as a standard office visit – some vets won’t even distinguish between the two services. So, you’ll likely spend about $40 to $60 .

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

Young puppies need a series of vaccinations over their first year, and adults will need periodic boosters throughout their lives.

The exact combination of puppy vaccinations your vet recommends will vary based on a variety of factors, but the following are considered “core vaccines,” which almost all dogs require:

• Canine parvovirus
• Canine distemper
• Canine parainfluenza
• Canine adenovirus-1 (hepatitis)
• Canine adenovirus-2

As with all other veterinary services, the costs for your dog’s vaccines will vary. However, you’ll usually end up spending between $60 and $120 for the first year of vaccines, and about $50 to $60 in subsequent years .

Be sure to check out our article on puppy vaccinations to learn more about the specific vaccines your vet may recommend and what to expect during this time.

How Much Do Dental Cleanings Cost?

Unfortunately, dental cleanings are usually pretty expensive.

This is primarily because anesthesia is almost always required, and the work is often time-consuming. If your dog is young, healthy and free of any significant dental problems, you’ll probably be looking at spending $200 to $300.

However, if your dog has any health concerns, is of advanced age, or has serious oral health issues, you may end up paying $1,000 or more to get your pup’s teeth taken care of.

We’ve written about the cost of dog dental cleanings in greater detail if you’d like to learn a little more about the process and costs involved.

How Much Do Dog Spaying and Neutering Cost?

The costs for spaying and neutering vary wildly from one vet or clinic to the next. They also vary based on your dog’s breed, size, age, and health status.

You may be able to find a low-cost clinic that will neuter your pup for about $50 (spay operations, being considerably more complicated will usually cost at least twice or thrice as much).

Shelters will often offer free or very discounted spaying and neutering services on certain days , but the wait for these procedures can be long since so many people arrive to take advantage of the free treatment.

On the other hand, you may end up paying $800 or more to have your regular vet perform the same procedure on a mature dog with a few health problems. The advantage is that you won’t have to wait in line for hours!

If you need to find low-cost spaying or neutering services, check out this resource , maintained by the ASPCA.

How Much Do Dog Heartworm Tests Cost?

Heartworm tests are an important medical procedure, which most vets will recommend conducting annually.

A heartworm test requires your vet to collect a blood sample and then send it off for laboratory testing. Heartworm disease is very serious, so this isn’t something to take lightly or try to skip in an effort to reduce your costs.

Fortunately, heartworm testing isn’t terribly expensive – it’ll usually cost about $50.

How Much Do Dog Fecal Examinations Cost?

Fecal examinations are helpful for determining if your dog is infested with hookworms, whipworms, or other internal parasites . There are a few different types of fecal examinations vets use – some simply require a doctor to take a swab of your pet’s rectum, while others require you to collect a small amount of your pet’s poop for laboratory analysis.

Some vets will recommend doing fecal examinations routinely (perhaps once per year), while others will only recommend them when there is some reason to believe your dog is harboring parasites.

In most cases, fecal examinations are relatively affordable. They usually cost about $25 to $50.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Veterinary Services

Vets charge different rates for a number of different reasons, but a few of the most noteworthy include the following:

Like many other goods and services, veterinary services vary geographically. Generally speaking , the higher the cost of living in your area, the more the local vets must charge. So, you should expect to pay more for vet services in Beverly Hills than a more affordable mid-western city.

But interestingly, while this is generally true, there’s a bit of peculiar data on the subject out there. For example, Petplan Pet Insurance reports that pet owners in New Mexico and Louisiana – two relatively affordable states — pay more in veterinary expenses than owners in relatively pricey places like New York or Massachusetts do.

The reasons for this aren’t exactly clear. Perhaps people in New Mexico own more dogs on average than those in New York. Or perhaps dogs in Louisiana are more likely to get into mischief than their counterparts in Massachusetts.

Your Dog’s Temperament

No matter what your vet’s typical price structure is, you may find yourself paying more for services if your dog is aggressive or otherwise difficult during visits. This is true for many dog related services – for example, you’ll likely pay more at the groomer too if your dog is a trouble-maker.

Aggressive or uncooperative dogs may require a vet to use muzzles or other types of restraints or enlist the help of additional staff – all of which will increase the cost of the visit.

This is one of the many reasons it is important to visit your vet regularly while your pup is young, as it’ll often help her learn that visits are normal and no cause for worry.  

The Nature of the Visit (Pre-Planned or Emergency)

In most cases, you’ll spend less money on a routine, pre-planned visit than you will if you have to take your dog in after hours or on an emergency basis .

Vets have to go to a lot of trouble to fit in unexpected clients, and they may have to drop what they’re doing in their personal lives and come into the office if you need an emergency appointment.

You obviously can’t avoid all emergencies, but regular checkups will help eliminate the need for some. Also, just be careful with your pooch – always consider the potential for injury when you’re playing with your pup.

Who Owns the Vet Clinic

More and more vet clinics are being purchased by private equity firms , whose sole purpose is to create revenue for its members. As a result, clinics owned by private equity firms may dramatically increase pricing across a variety of services in hopes of bolstering revenue.

Different Vets Embrace Different Business Models

Just like any other type of business, different vets embrace different business models.

Some charge higher rates, while treating fewer clients, and others take the opposite approach. Some keep their prices high yet throw in plenty of free or reduced-cost “extras,” whereas others don’t charge as much for their procedures, yet they make sure every little service provided appears on your bill.

This is actually quite helpful for dog owners, as it gives you a lot of different options. Some will choose to spare no expense while seeking veterinary care, and others will need to do everything possible to limit the bills incurred, but most dog owners probably fall somewhere in the middle.  

Tips and Tricks for Saving Money at the Vet

Veterinary care will represent a significant portion of the total expenses you’ll incur as a dog owner. There’s simply no way to get around that. But there are a few effective strategies and tricks that’ll help you save money in some cases. We’ll talk about a few of the most noteworthy below.

Pet Insurance Plans

Pet insurance plans are a good way for some owners to save money on their pet’s veterinary care , but they’ll only produce modest savings for others. In some cases, you may spend more on a yearly pet insurance plan than you do at the vet.

Most pet insurance plans work by refunding some percentage of your veterinary care costs. You’ll usually have to pay the full amount up-front and then wait for a reimbursement check in the mail.

Different plans cover different services, some may only cover a certain number of x-ray treatments, and some are only valid at specific vets.

You’ll just have to sit down, crunch the numbers, look the plan over thoroughly, and make the best decision you can. We’ll be reviewing some of the best pet insurance plans in the future, so stay tuned.

You can also check out Consumer Advocate’s super in-depth guide to various pet insurance plans , which helps show which plans cover what.

Veterinary Care Discount Programs

Discount programs are often similar to pet insurance plans; in fact, some insurance plans are basically discount programs masquerading as insurance plans.

Essentially, the companies that manage these types of plans work out deals with participating vets . They send the vets clients, and the vet gives those clients a discount in exchange.

As with pet insurance plans, discount programs vary, so you’ll just have to carefully consider each plan. We did a full Pet Assure review , so be sure to check out that guide if you’re considering a veterinary care discount program.

Direct Negotiations with Vets and Discussions

It never hurts to talk with your vet and let him or her know that money’s a little tight.

Some vets won’t be willing or able to do anything to help, but others may. Some may allow you to split up payments over time , and others may provide discounted services.

Just be honest, and make sure that you are respectful once you get an answer. Most vets entered the career in order to help pets – not to get rich. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have bills and overhead of their own, and they can’t give away their services for free.

It’s also worth pointing out that a lot of veterinarians offer discounts to new clients . So, be sure to ask when you are shopping around.

On the flipside, many vets will also offer discounts for their long-time clients or provide small services for free.   

Tap into Your Social Network

One of the best ways to save money on vet fees is to hit Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, or whatever social media platform you prefer, and ask your friends and acquaintances if they can recommend an affordable vet.

Some people may even be able to share helpful info that isn’t publicly available.

Watch for Low-Cost Clinics  

From time to time, veterinary schools, shelters, and other dog-related organizations offer low-cost clinics. These types of events usually happen on weekends, and they offer things like vaccinations for reduced rates.

It’s hard to plan for these types of events, so the best thing to do is keep your eyes open and take advantage of them as they occur.

You’ll still need to obtain services from your regular vet from time to time, but discount clinics should help you reduce your overall expenditures a bit. Also research any local organizations that help pay for vet bills of those with financial need.

Address Small Issues Promptly

To the extent possible, try to address small problems promptly, as it’ll often help prevent them from becoming big (read: expensive) problems. This is not only better for your pet’s health and well-being, but it’ll help you save tons of money in the long run.

So, don’t wait a month for your dog’s hot spot to go away or cut corners while trying to treat your dog’s flea problem. Go to your vet and get your furry one’s problems treated while it’s easy to do so.

Consider Consulting With a Veterinarian Virtually

In some cases, you may not even need a proper veterinary visit – you may just need some advice from a knowledgeable vet. In these cases, a digital consult with a vet might do the trick.

In recent years, dozens of online virtual vet services have popped up, allowing you quick and easy access to a veterinarian consult without requiring you to drag your pooch into a vet’s office. Some of these digital services can even help you get your pet a perscription online !

For a small fee (which can vary from a one-time fee to a monthly membership), you’ll have the chance to discuss your dog’s issue with a veterinarian. You may still end up needing to go to your vet, but in some cases, you’ll be able to avoid a costly and unnecessary visit.

Veterinary Cost FAQs

Because vets often charge very different rates, and the entire process of going to the vet can be a bit overwhelming at times, many owners have questions about the issue.

We’ll try to answer some of the most common questions owners have below.

How do you find free vet clinics near your home?

From time to time, local non-profit organizations and veterinarians will provide low-cost or free clinics. These types of clinics can be incredibly helpful for budget-limited owners, but you’ll often have to do some digging to find any in your area.

The best way to locate these types of clinics is by a simple internet search, but you may also have success by calling local shelters or vet offices.

How can you find low income veterinary care?

Like free clinics, some vets and non-profits offer veterinary services for low-income owners. There’s unfortunately no easy way to track these down, you’ll just have to work your phone and search the internet for promising leads.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost?

As with regular veterinary visits, the costs associated with emergency vet visits will vary. However, you will almost always have to spend more for an emergency visit than a pre-scheduled, non-emergency visit.

As a ballpark figure, you’ll likely have to spend about $100 for the visit. However, this won’t include any major services or procedures – these will all involve additional costs.

Why dog vets charge so much?

Veterinary care can be expensive, which leaves a bad taste in the mouths of many owners. But it’s important to note that most vets decide to work in the field because they want to help animals, not as a way to finance a yacht.

There are a few reasons veterinary care seems expensive. For one, many people compare it to human health care, but they neglect to consider the fact that most people have health insurance, which helps to drastically reduce the fees associated with some services.

Additionally, it is important to understand all of the “behind the scenes” things that the average vet clinic has to pay for. This includes everything from rent and staff salaries to medical equipment and diagnostic tools. These things are all expensive, and vets have to charge enough money to offset these liabilities.

So, resist the urge to think that your vet is price gouging – in most cases, he or she is just trying to treat your pet while being able to afford to keep the lights on.

Want to learn more about veterinarians? Check out 32 Fascinating Veterinary Statistics !

There’s no getting around the fact that veterinary care is, at times, expensive. But it’s a simple fact of life for pet owners.

To put it bluntly, if you welcome a bundle of four-footed joy into your family, you’ll need to do whatever necessary to provide your pet with the type of care you’d want for yourself or a two-legged loved one.

I know first-hand how financially challenging it can be to suddenly find yourself faced with a bill for veterinary services that you simply cannot afford.

Nearly twenty years ago, I found myself in an emergency veterinary clinic, begging the receptionist to split my pup’s surgery bill across five different credit cards. She obliged, and my pup turned out fine in the long-run.

But unfortunately, and despite the efforts of several dedicated and highly trained professionals, my credit score could not be saved.   

Point being, I certainly don’t mean to be preachy or judgmental about any of this. But, it’s important to value the joy our dogs bring to our lives, and make sure that you are properly prepared to handle both regular veterinary care, as well as any unforeseen expenses that may arise.

With all of that said, we hope that this has helped you understand what to expect from a run-of-the-mill veterinary visit. This way, you can plan ahead and be sure to budget appropriately for your floof. Take advantage of the tips provided above too – every little bit helps.

We’d love to hear about your vet bills !

You don’t have to share the actual figures if you don’t want to, but we’d just be interested in knowing about your overall thoughts on the matter .

Do you think your vet bills are too high? Are they about what you’d expect? Do you shop around to find the vet with the best prices, or do you prioritize other things?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Your source quoted for 1.35 billion cats and dogs in the US shows there is only 135 million. There are not more cats and dogs than people in the US.

You’re entirely correct, Bob! Thanks for catching the error. I’ve corrected it now.

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Everything You Need to Know About The Cost of a Vet Visit

Nobody wants a surprise cost at a vet visit. Here are insights into what’s covered at various vet visits, and how much each vet visit will cost.

As a freelance writer, Stacey Freed is never too far from her Lab, Gerty, who sits beneath the desk all day while Stacey writes for national trade and consumer publications. Gerty is a great listener, and as soon as she hears the word "okay" she knows a task is done and it's time to head out for a hike.

Sarah Kaufman, a schoolteacher, and Sam Schreibman, a financial trader, living in Jersey City, N.J. recently purchased their miniature schnauzer puppy, Sophie, from a breeder in Rochester, N.Y. The couple saved money to be able to afford the dog and her accoutrements — food, crate, playpen, toys, shampoo, probiotics, leash, harness, and, of course, veterinary bills. But when they discovered the costs of the puppy’s first vet visit they were surprised. “The first round of shots was buried in the breeder’s costs,” Kaufman says. But she and Schreibman paid $245 out of pocket for the second round. “I wasn’t expecting it to cost that much, and we still have a third round to go.”

These costs are typical, says Sharon Albright, DVM, manager of communications and veterinary outreach for the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation , but they “will vary across the United States based on regional and economic factors, and like everything else these costs will likely increase every year.”

Costs of Vet Visit

According to Pet Finder , an online service that helps people find pets to adopt, the average vet cost for the first year of dog ownership, which includes vaccines and routine care, heartworm tests, heartworm prevention, and flea/tick prevention ranges from $165–$700. The same health maintenance over time will run $150–$615 a year. The fees for cats fall within the same ranges.

However, this’s assuming your pet remains healthy. All bets are off when it comes to an emergency vet visit. Here are some average costs for different types of vet visits:

Costs For a First-Time Vet Visit For Puppies and Kittens

At a first-time vet visit, the vet will do a general physical — checking weight and temperature, listening to your pet’s heart and lungs, checking the skin, fur, eyes, ears, teeth, etc. and examining feces (you may be asked to bring in a sample). Puppies will receive a slew of vaccines, including those for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus (DAPP), and rabies. Kittens will receive vaccines for feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline panleukopenia (FPLV), and may also get tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus. Each vaccine costs $10–$20.

Total costs for that initial vet visit range from $100–$300, depending on where you live. San Francisco; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Aurora, Colo. are the three most expensive cities for vet bills, according to RedFin.com .

Costs For a Yearly Wellness Vet Visit

A regular annual physical for a dog or cat averages $50. This visit usually includes vaccine booster shots, each one costing $18–$25, a heartworm test ($45–$50), and a fecal exam ($25–$45).

As your pet ages, your vet will likely suggest geriatric screening, which includes blood work and urinalysis ($85–$110), dental work (a cleaning alone can cost anywhere from $150–$500), and possibly allergy testing ( $200–$300 ).

Costs For Emergency Vet Services

Visiting the emergency animal hospital might cost you $500–$1,000 or more, depending on whether you have a cat or a small or large dog and what needs to be done. According to online emergency vet finder Emergency Vets USA , an exam and consultation costs $100–$150; bloodwork, $80–$200; X-rays, $150–$250; wound treatment and repair, $800–$2,500; and surgery, $1,500–$5,000.

While there’s no way to be fully prepared for vet costs, it’s good to be armed with the knowledge of approximately how much services will cost. “My best piece of advice,” Albright says is “do some research. Compare vet prices in your area before you add any pets to your family.”

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Your Dog’s First Vet Visit: Cost Breakdown with a Twist 🐾

Hey there, fellow dog parents! Are you prepping for your furry friend’s first ever vet visit but feeling a bit lost in the sea of information? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what you can expect, cost-wise, and sprinkle in some critical advice that you won’t find just anywhere. 🐶💼

🚀 Pre-Visit Expectations: Setting the Stage

Before you even step paw into the vet’s office, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. The first vet visit is more than just a health check; it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship between your dog and their healthcare provider. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Booking the Appointment: Aim for a time when it’s quieter, so your pup doesn’t get overwhelmed.
• Pre-Visit Checklist: Vaccination records (if any), a list of questions, and, of course, your pup on a leash or in a carrier.

💸 The Cost Breakdown

Let’s face it, vet visits can be pricey, but understanding what you’re paying for can ease the sting. Here’s a chart to guide you through the expenses:

🤔 Critical Tips for the Worried Parent

Insurance Insight: Pet insurance can be a game-changer. Consider getting a plan that covers vaccinations, emergencies, and routine checks.

Vaccine Vitals: Don’t skip on vaccines! They protect against serious diseases. Talk to your vet about what’s essential for your dog’s lifestyle and breed.

The Spay/Neuter Scoop: Beyond preventing unexpected litters, spaying or neutering can protect against certain health issues and behaviors.

Budgeting Basics: Set aside a ‘vet fund’ for unexpected expenses. Even a small monthly saving can help in the long run.

🐕‍🦺 Final Thoughts: Beyond the First Visit

Remember, the first vet visit is just the start. Your dog’s needs will evolve, so keep communication lines open with your vet. Always monitor your dog’s behavior and health for any changes, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the vet with concerns. Most importantly, enjoy the journey! Watching your pup grow and thrive with your care is one of the most rewarding experiences.

Q: When it comes to choosing a vet, what’s the golden rule that most pet owners overlook?

A: The golden rule is simple yet profound: Seek a connection, not just credentials. While qualifications are crucial, finding a vet who meshes well with both you and your pup’s personalities can profoundly impact your dog’s health journey. It’s like choosing a family doctor; you want someone who listens, empathizes, and communicates clearly, creating a comfortable space for you to voice concerns. A vet with a knack for making your dog wag its tail, even in stressful situations, is worth their weight in dog treats.

Q: There’s a lot of talk about the first visit. How should pet owners prepare their dogs to ensure it’s as stress-free as possible?

A: Preparation is key, and it starts at home. Familiarize your dog with being handled; touch their paws, ears, and tail gently to get them used to the kind of examination they’ll experience. Car rides can be anxiety-inducing, so take a few joy rides to associate vehicle travel with positive experiences. On the day, bring along their favorite toy or blanket for comfort. And remember, your energy is contagious; if you’re calm and positive, your dog is more likely to mirror those vibes.

Q: Vaccinations are a big part of the first vet visit. Can you demystify the process for first-time dog owners?

A: Think of vaccinations as a shield, equipping your pup’s immune system to battle common diseases. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle. Core vaccines are non-negotiable, protecting against parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and hepatitis. Non-core vaccines are tailored to your dog’s specific risk factors, like lifestyle and geographical location. The injection itself is quick, but the protection it offers is long-lasting. Watch for any reactions post-vaccination and report back to your vet if you notice anything amiss.

Q: The costs associated with vet visits can be daunting. Any advice on managing expenses without compromising on care?

A: Navigating costs requires a blend of foresight and flexibility. Start with a thorough discussion with your vet about the anticipated costs so there are no surprises. Ask about payment plans or memberships that offer discounts on services. Consider pet insurance, but read the fine print to understand what’s covered. Importantly, focus on preventive care—regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping up with vaccinations and parasite control can prevent more significant expenses down the line. Remember, investing in your dog’s health early on can save you from hefty bills due to preventable diseases later.

Q: Microchipping seems to be recommended frequently. Can you explain its importance and what owners should know?

A: Microchipping is akin to giving your dog a permanent ID badge that they can never lose. It’s a simple procedure where a tiny chip, no larger than a grain of rice, is inserted under your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique ID number that’s registered in a database with your contact information. Should your dog ever wander off or get lost, any vet or animal shelter can scan this chip and quickly reunite you with your furry friend. It’s a safety net, offering peace of mind that if the collar tags are lost, there’s still a way home for your dog. The process is quick, relatively painless, and once done, lasts a lifetime. Remember to keep your contact information up-to-date in the database; a microchip is only as effective as the information linked to it.

Q: With the plethora of information available, how should owners sift through what’s relevant to their dog’s health and well-being?

A: In the digital age, the challenge isn’t finding information; it’s finding credible, relevant information. Start by establishing a trusted partnership with your vet—they should be your primary source of health advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs. For online resources, stick to reputable sites run by veterinary professionals or established animal health organizations. Always cross-reference information and beware of sources pushing products or unverified treatments. Embrace the power of community; local pet groups can offer recommendations and insights based on shared experiences, but remember to verify their advice with a professional. Critical thinking is key; if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Q: Behavioral issues can often be misunderstood. What should dog owners know about addressing and preventing these challenges?

A: Addressing behavioral issues starts with understanding that behavior is a form of communication. Dogs act out not because they’re stubborn or naughty, but often because they’re stressed, anxious, or under-stimulated. The first step is observing when and where the behavior occurs to identify triggers. Consistency is crucial; establish clear, consistent rules and routines that everyone in the household follows. Positive reinforcement—rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or play—strengthens desired behaviors over time. Socialization plays a significant role in preventing behavioral issues, exposing your dog to various people, animals, and environments in a controlled, positive way. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Certified animal behaviorists or trainers can offer invaluable guidance tailored to your dog’s needs.

Q: Nutrition is a vital part of a dog’s health. How can owners navigate the complex world of dog food to ensure their pets are getting what they need?

A: The foundation of good health is good nutrition. Start by understanding the basics: Dogs need a balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water in their diet. The right balance varies based on the dog’s age, breed, size, activity level, and health conditions. Look for dog food that meets the nutritional standards set by reputable organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Ingredients matter; the first few ingredients listed should be recognizable foods, with specific meat sources identified. Beware of foods with excessive fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. Consider your dog’s individual needs—some may benefit from grain-free diets, while others might require specific formulas for health issues. Regular check-ups with your vet can help assess your dog’s nutritional status and adjust their diet as needed. Remember, a healthy diet is an investment in your dog’s overall wellbeing.

Q: In an emergency, what should every dog owner know or have on hand?

A: Preparation can turn a panic situation into a handled one. First, know the signs of common emergencies—severe bleeding, choking, difficulty breathing, sudden collapse, or seizures. Have the number and address of your nearest veterinary emergency clinic readily available, as well as the number for a pet poison control center if your dog ingests something toxic. A well-stocked pet first aid kit is essential; include items like gauze, non-stick bandages, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, saline solution, and a digital thermometer. Learn basic first aid procedures, such as how to apply a bandage or perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog. Importantly, remain calm; your dog looks to you for cues on how to react. In any emergency, after providing first aid, immediate veterinary consultation is crucial.

Q: Lastly, any insider tips on turning the vet visit into a positive experience for both the dog and the owner?

A: Absolutely, turning a vet visit into a positive experience hinges on preparation and perspective. Start with socialization; expose your pup to different situations, people, and other dogs to build their confidence. Treat the vet visit as an adventure or a day out, using plenty of praise and treats to create positive associations. After the visit, reward your dog with a little extra playtime or a special treat. For the owner, remember that knowledge is power. The more you understand about what to expect and why certain procedures are necessary, the more relaxed you’ll be. And trust me, your dog can definitely pick up on that tranquility.

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How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost?

Table of Contents

What Factors Impact the Cost of a Vet Visit?

How much does a routine vet visit cost, how much does an emergency vet visit cost, key takeaways.

• The cost of a vet visit can vary widely depending on the reason. In general, routine checkups will cost less than something like a visit to the emergency vet.
• Pet insurance can help cover many vet-visit costs, though most base plans are typically limited to events like accidents and illnesses.

Visits to the vet can be expensive. It’s important to understand the things that can impact costs and the tools, like pet insurance, that can help. While pet insurance plans generally assist with unexpected costs, like illnesses and injuries, wellness add-ons can help with routine and preventive care. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the cost of vet visits.

There are several factors that can help determine how much you end up paying for a vet visit, including:

• Pet type: Some procedures may cost more for a dog versus a cat, for example.
• Pet gender: Certain procedures can also cost more or less depending on whether your pet is a male or a female. (for instance, sterilization surgeries.)
• Your pet’s health history: Some procedures may cost more for animals based on their health history since that could complicate things.
• Reason for the visit: A routine check-up is probably going to cost less than one that requires extensive testing or an especially costly procedure, like surgery.
• Where you take your pet: Some vet offices or other facilities may provide cheaper care than others.

The cost of a routine vet visit can vary pretty widely. For example, if you have a pet cat, basic vaccinations could run you $80 to $160. But dog vaccinations (which may include rabies; DAPP/DHPP (distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus); lyme disease; leptospirosis; and canine influenza, among others) can cost up to $300 if done in the same visit. Or, for a wellness visit, where the vet will check things like bloodwork and perform a dental check, the costs could be anywhere from $45 to $300, depending on the type of pet you have and where you go for care.

Some other vet visits, like spay or neuter surgery, could range in cost from hundreds of dollars to upwards of $1,000, depending on the type of animal and the level of care chosen, which may include IV medication and pre-surgery blood work. And that’s assuming you don’t add on additional services, such as microchipping or vaccinations. But also keep in mind that depending on where you live – and other factors, such as income – there could be low-cost or even no-cost spay and neuter programs available. One good way to explore these possibilities is to contact an area humane society.

And routine vet visit costs can often be covered by pet insurance wellness plans. What’s covered – and how much coverage is available – depends on the wellness plan you select, though.

There are many reasons why a pet may need an emergency vet visit, from swallowed objects, to ingesting toxins or breaking a bone. Some of these causes will require more testing, and therefore more cost, than others. And while some veterinary clinics will offer both emergency and general care, you may have to go to an emergency 24-hour clinic instead, which could have different rates than your usual vet. Plus, the longer your pet needs care, the more it may cost, particularly if they need to stay and be monitored overnight.

Here are some common costs you may encounter during an emergency vet visit for a dog, along with possible price ranges:

• X-ray: $150 to $250
• Wound treatment: $800 to $2,500
• Short-term hospitalization (1 to 2 days): $600 to $1,700
• Emergency surgery: $1,800 to $5,000
• Oxygen therapy: $800 to $3,000

And here are some costs you may encounter when seeking emergency services for a cat:

• Wound treatment: $800 to $1,500
• Short-term hospitalization (1 to 2 days): $600 to $1,500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $3,000
• Oxygen therapy: $500 to $2,500

There could also be an exam fee, which allows the vet to assess whether any testing needs to be done to help your pet, as well as diagnostic testing if necessary.

How Much Does a Diagnostic Vet Visit Cost?

Sometimes your pet has health issues that aren’t an immediate threat to their wellbeing, but that may require treatment, such as a change in their diet or medications. In that case, you may be going to the vet for diagnostic testing. The costs can vary quite widely, as diagnostic care can include everything from X-rays and urine tests to more expensive procedures like an MRI. This doesn’t include the upfront costs that may lead to the need for diagnostic testing, such as routine blood work.

Here are some costs you may encounter for a diagnostic vet visit for a dog or cat:

• X-ray: Up to $250
• Fecal exam: $25 to $60
• Ultrasound: $300 to $600
• Lab tests: $200 to $300
• Urine tests: $25 to $100
• MRI: $1,500 to $2,500

Keep in mind that some tests, like X-rays, may have more complex and expensive versions, so that can impact your total costs. And if there are multiple areas of the body affected, that may mean paying more. Diagnostic testing costs can be hard to predict, which is why you can (and should) ask for a quote up front. That way, you’ll be better prepared and can understand your options.

Remember that the cost of vet care, whether routine, emergency, diagnostic, or other, can vary based on many factors, including where you live. The numbers listed here are provided only as examples. The surest way to estimate the cost of a particular treatment or procedure is to ask a local pet healthcare professional.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Vet Visits?

The purpose of pet insurance is to cover unexpected medical events, so some vet visits will certainly be covered. Typically, a basic pet insurance plan will not cover routine or preventive care – that’s where a wellness plan add-on may come in handy.

Vet costs resulting from accidents and covered illnesses that happen after the policy’s waiting period, however, will be covered. This can include things like the X-rays or blood work needed to diagnose a broken bone or illness, hospitalization costs, wound treatment, and emergency surgery.

Keep in mind, however, that pet insurance plans have exclusions, so be sure to familiarize yourself with those before purchasing a policy. Exclusions can vary by insurer.

Many pet insurance companies offer wellness plans as an add-on that can cover routine and preventive care at an additional cost. That can include things like flea, tick, and heartworm medications, routine vaccinations, and the cost of seeing a vet for your pet’s regular checkup.

In most cases, a pet insurance policy will help cover costs related to illnesses and accidents, but it won’t cover preexisting conditions or routine or preventive care. However, insurers may provide the option to get routine and preventive costs covered with a wellness add-on. Otherwise, that would have to be paid out-of-pocket or via a specific wellness plan.

For covered costs, you would typically pay for the treatment or procedure yourself and then be reimbursed by the insurer up to a certain percentage once you’ve hit your plan deductible. So there is a bit of a delay in the payment.

Let’s say you have a $500 vet bill that’s covered by your pet policy, with a 90% reimbursement rate. Assuming you’ve met the deductible for the year, you’d get $450 back for that charge. Often, the higher the reimbursement rate, the higher the monthly premium, so that’s something to consider when shopping for a policy.

For more information about pet insurance, see the following guides:

• Best Pet Insurance Companies
• Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies
• How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
• ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
• Healthy Paws
• Progressive

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How Much Should My Dog's Vet Visit Cost?

Get your calculator ready 🤓.

It’s so exciting to adopt a new dog that it’s super easy to forget about all the inevitable vet costs.

No matter the age, size, color or breed you have, she’ll definitely need to visit the vet at least once a year. So how much should you expect to spend?

Unfortunately, there’s no straight answer here. Your vet visit might cost well under $100, but depending on where you live and what your dog needs, it can be more expensive.

The Dodo reached out to Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian in California, and Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian working with Excited Cats , to learn more about just how much you’ll be spending at the vet.

How much does a general checkup cost?

A vet visit usually costs somewhere between $40 and $60, not including costs for vaccines, tests and other treatments.

While these prices reflect how much a general checkup would be at a private veterinary office, there are other places where the fee is waived.

“Owners who have their pets examined at a low-cost clinic or shelter may not need to pay an examination fee,” Dr. Burch told The Dodo.

How much are vaccinations for dogs?

Vaccination costs will depend on what shots your dog is getting.

Core vaccines for dogs

The average cost of core vaccines can vary depending on the type of vaccine. Here are some general price ranges you can expect:

• Adenovirus: $20 to $50
• Distemper: $20 to $50
• Hepatitis: $20 to $50
• Parvovirus: $20 to $50
• Rabies: $15 to $20

Non-core vaccines for dogs

According to Dr. Burch, there’s also a range on the average cost of non-core (aka not essential) vaccines for your dog. Here’s what you can expect:

• Bordetella: $18 to $20
• Canine influenza: $25 to $35
• Leptospirosis: $20 to $25
• Lyme: $20 to $40

How much is dental cleaning?

Dental cleanings will vary depending on the severity of the oral issue and if extractions need to be made or not.

The cost of dental cleaning includes pre-anesthetic bloodwork, anesthesia, anesthetic monitoring, dental X-rays, cleaning of the teeth above and below the gum line and polishing. The cost can run anywhere from $100 to $700.

This cost doesn’t include tooth extractions or any advanced treatments, however.

“Pets who have evidence of periodontal disease or tooth root abscesses will incur higher bills due to the need for tooth extractions or advanced treatments,” Dr. Burch said.

How much is it to spay or neuter a dog?

The cost of a spay or neuter for a dog can vary from $35 to $400. The lower cost is for a pet undergoing surgery at a low-cost spay/neuter hospital, while the higher estimation is with a general veterinarian.

“Low-cost spay/neuter hospitals will have additional funding, which helps to lower the cost to owners,” Dr. Burch said. “Many low-cost spay/neuter hospitals do not require pre-anesthetic bloodwork, complete anesthetic monitoring and charge additionally for pain control or E-collar.”

Keep in mind that large-breed dogs who are older than 1 to 1.5 years of age can incur a higher cost because they weigh more and have longer operation times.

It’s also good to note that spaying costs more than neutering because it’s a more difficult surgery.

A benefit of adopting a dog is that rescue pups will typically go home with you already fixed, so you don’t even have to worry about it.

How much does a heartworm test cost?

Heartworm test costs may be included in your dog’s annual exam, or they can be billed separately.

The average cost of a heartworm test is $30 to $50.

How much are fecal examinations?

Similar to the heartworm test, fecal examinations are sometimes included in an annual exam. If it’s not, a fecal examination for your dog can range anywhere from $10 to $45.

How much are emergency visits or surgeries?

Emergency visits and surgeries are where most pet parents see the biggest bills, with an average cost being from anywhere being $800 to $1,500.

For situations like these, having pet health insurance can help you not be hit so hard by large bills so you can focus more on getting your dog healthy rather than having to figure out how to pay in an emergency. Pet insurance typically pays you back 90 percent of your unexpected vet bills.

(If you're looking for pet insurance, you’ll want to check out Fetch by The Dodo because it's made by and for adoring pet parents, and because it's the most comprehensive coverage in the US and Canada, covering things that other providers don't or charge extra for.)

Factors that affect vet prices

The cost of veterinary care will vary greatly depending on geographical location, expertise and if your dog needs special care due to behavioral issues.

Geographical location will cause cost variations that largely depend on the cost of living in that area.

“Generally, more rural areas are less expensive and urbanized areas will cost more,” Dr. Bonk said. “This is usually related to the equipment that a vet can use and afford and whether or not tests and procedures can be done in-house or if they have to be sent out.”

Veterinarians who specialize in dentistry, surgery, internal medicine or orthopedics will have higher fees than general practice veterinarians.

“The higher costs are to compensate for the additional training these individuals have gone through,” Dr. Burch said.

Pets who are aggressive or severely fearful might have an additional cost for pre-examination medication or sedation during the appointment.

“Pre-examination medication and sedation are used to keep your pet and veterinary staff safe,” Dr. Burch said.

Do vets negotiate prices?

It’s rare for a veterinarian to negotiate set prices. “Eighty percent of the cost associated with an examination, test or procedure is used to pay for equipment, materials and staffing, which does not include the salary for the veterinarian,” Dr. Burch said.

Additionally, many veterinary hospitals are corporate owned, so associate veterinarians, hospital managing veterinarians or hospital managers are unable to change prices on their own.

“Most vets don’t necessarily negotiate prices, but they will offer discounts for things like multiple animals, paying in full or scheduling further out,” Dr. Bonk said.

While there’s no exact price of what you’re going to pay at the vet, at least you know you’ll be getting paid back in couch snuggles and slobbery kisses.

How Much Is a Vet Visit? The Complete Guide to the Costs

• by Vessy Genova
• December 21, 2021

We rely on readers to support this website. If you purchase via links on Pawsome Advice, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

An essential part of caring for animals is taking them to the vet for routine checkups or advice on possible issues. But can you handle that financially? How much is a vet visit? And is there anything you can do to reduce the costs? 

If you want to find out more about these and other burning questions, keep reading. We’ll discuss:

• The Cost of the First Vet Visit
• Common Vet Costs 
• Emergency Veterinary Visit Cost

What Affects the Vet Price?

• Top Reasons Why Pet Parents Go to the Vet

How to Reduce Vet Visits

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the average annual vet visits remain at 2.5 per year. It goes to show that we truly care about our animals. But with employment at an all-time low and increasing prices, it’s normal to stress over health-related costs for your pet.

First Vet Visit Cost

So, what to expect during your first vet visit, and what are the veterinarian costs for a puppy?

Most pet owners will pay anywhere between $200 and $300 for the first vet visit. But that still depends on multiple factors , like where you live and your reason for the visit. The age of your pet can also have an impact on the cost. 

The first puppy vet visit might include :

• Vaccinations
• Fecal parasite exam and dewormer
• Housetraining tips
• Diet guidelines

Your vet might also recommend organic food options or oral hygiene chews for your dog.

Vaccinations range from $75 to $100 and usually bump up the overall cost of the first vet visit. But your pet needs them. The average vet costs for dogs can go from $50 to as much as $500. The annual spending amounts to $2,000 to $3,000 .

How Much Is a Vet Visit?

Your reasons for visiting the vets and the available treatment options (if necessary) will primarily determine the money you end up spending.

Pet treatments could include:

• Spaying/neutering
• Flea and tick treatment
• Microchipping
• Allergy tests
• Physical exams
• Teeth cleaning
• General checkups

Each of these comes with its own set of costs that can quickly add up. It’s wise to consider them when determining your pet health insurance cost . For instance, here’s a quick breakdown of how much it could cost you:

• Vaccinations: $75
• Heartworm and flea prevention: $40–$200
• Spay and neuter surgery: $600
• Dental cleaning: $500
• Microchipping: $50

Keep in mind that age, health, and location all contribute to the total price.

Emergency Vet Costs

Much like we humans, pets can get sick unexpectedly. If your cat or dog has been acting unusual lately or has gotten injured, an emergency vet visit might be a good idea. 

Emergency vet visits might start with a general checkup, but they could also include:

• Wound treatment
• Hospitalization

So how much is an emergency vet visit for a dog? The average cost may range between $800 and $1,500 . That said, if your pet needs surgery, the number can go up to thousands of dollars. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Ultrasound and X-ray: $250–$600 each
• One or two hospitalization days: $800–$1,700

But how much is an emergency vet visit for a cat? It’s pretty much the same. Note that these vet services are a lot more expensive compared to regular checkups. It’s just like an emergency medical service or hospitalization for humans. The average vet bill will vary, but you can expect it to be higher than a routine checkup. Still, it’s essential to know when to take your dog to the vet .

New pet owners should know the aspects that impact the price to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of a vet visit. For instance, cat owners will likely pay less compared to dog owners.

Let’s do a breakdown of the most common factors that determine the veterinary price list.

Pet Size & Age

How much is a vet visit for a kitten? It’s not the same as the one for a senior dog. The size and age of your pet are among the first aspects that influence the vet visit cost. After all, older or larger pets tend to have more health complications than younger pets.

Breed & Behavior

The breed and behavior also affect the price. For instance, pets with behavioral problems aren’t easy to work with, so they may cost more compared to others. 

Another major factor in determining the average veterinary cost is the breed. Whether it’s a dog or cat, some breeds are predisposed to more health issues than others. Pet breeds that aren’t suitable for the climate also tend to get sick more often, increasing the frequency of your vet visits and adding to the cost. Also, if you have a pet of a rare breed , you can expect to pay more, too.

Pet Insurance 

Pet insurance can make a big difference when it comes to vet visits. But pet owners should first find out the best policies that are suitable for their pet. We recommend shopping around and comparing multiple pet insurance companies. Also, ask the provider any questions you might have before settling on a particular policy to make sure it covers the needed veterinary visit cost.

Location 

Like your rent, expenses, and property taxes, where you live will also have an impact on the overall cost of a vet visit. For instance, vet visits in California or San Francisco tend to cost more than the national average. Also, vet care in the US is almost twice as expensive as that in other countries .

Vaccines 

Our pets also require vaccines to live a long and healthy life. Always visit the vet for the needed annual vaccines. But how much is a vet visit for vaccines?

Some core or mandatory vaccines, like DA2PP or rabies, are cheaper, but the ones for Lyme disease, Leptospira, or Bordetella tend to be more expensive. Again, where you live also determines the type of protection your pet needs.

Top Reasons for a Vet Visit

The vet might ask about your pet’s diet, exercise, breathing, habits, elimination patterns, and overall behavior during a routine examination. But there are many other reasons why you may need a vet visit, including, but not limited to:

• Skin conditions
• Urinary tract infections
• Eye conditions
• Ear infections
• Digestion problems

Are you still wondering how much is the first vet visit for a puppy? It should only set you back around $100 to $200. But an emergency visit can go to a few hundred dollars. It’s challenging to give exact numbers as it depends on so many aspects. But you can check the typical costs for your location.

Whether you have a dog or cat, vet visits can get costly. Still, you can limit the number of visits by following some simple tips to boost your pet’s health.

Annual Vet Checkups

Your pet needs a general exam at least once or twice a year . It’s crucial not to miss these checkups, or you’ll end up paying more for additional vet visits.

High Quality Pet Food

Some pet owners think they can compromise on the quality of pet products to save money. Unfortunately, that can have the opposite effect, resulting in making your pet sick and increasing the average cost of a vet visit for your dog. 

You can easily find many substandard pet foods that don’t cost much. But your pets need high-quality food to develop properly. That way, you can avoid stomach issues that require unexpected visits to the vet. 

And we’re not saying that expensive always means high quality. You can find many deals on pet food. Do your research and pick a brand with a good formula that will help your four-legged friend live its best life. 

Regular Exercise

Like humans, pets need exercise. Plus, physical activity can significantly reduce the annual vet costs for dogs. Whether you live in a large house with plenty of space for your pet to run around or a smaller apartment, you need to take your pet on regular walks, especially if you have a dog. Frequent exercise will ensure that your dog stays energetic and healthy . That will also positively impact on their overall behavior , meaning you won’t have to deal with anxiety-related issues like excessive barking, digging, or chewing the furniture. 

Pet owners need to educate themselves on proper pet care, food, and preventable diseases. You might be surprised to find out how many issues get better with appropriate hygiene and good quality ingredients. 

The good news is that a 2011 study by AAHA and AVMA shows vet visits in the US have declined , despite a significant increase in the number of pet owners. That’s likely because more and more pet owners are doing their best to ensure a healthy life for their furry pals. So before you worry about the vet visit cost, do everything in your power to decrease the chance for it.

No matter the costs, you need to ensure that your pet is healthy.

It’s equally important for pet owners to educate themselves and learn how to provide proper sleep, nutritious food, and regular exercise for their four-legged friends. But don’t take for granted annual checkups. Only a professional can identify health issues and recommend treatment before the condition gets worse. A visit to the vet can be critical to your pet’s health regardless of the cost.

So how much is a vet visit? It can be anywhere from $50 to $1,000. But in the end, we should never hesitate to spend money on health.

Vessy Genova

Vessy's taken care of animals for as long as she can remember. Throughout the years, she's had hamsters, guinea pigs, and parrots. But her one true love is cats. As an advocate of science and technology, she joined the pawsome team to ensure top-quality research, and help pet owners find modern ways to improve the lives of their animal companions.

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What Is the Typical Cost of a Vet Visit?

What should you expect at a vet visit, annual checkup, diagnostic testing, ear or eye issues, emergencies, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, does pet insurance cover vet visits, is the cost of vet visit worth it, faqs about vet visit costs, how much does a vet visit cost (2024 guide).

Written by Brenda Woods Updated 04/03/2024

Brenda Woods is an accomplished writer and managing editor with more than two decades of publishing experience. She has spent over 10 years covering home services and home improvement projects. Brenda supports her team in evaluating dozens of home service providers, surveying and speaking to hom…

Pets need health care, and not just when they’re sick. Regular vet visits are essential to keeping your pet healthy and should be factored into your budget just like food and toys. How regularly you need to take your pet to the vet depends on its age, breed, and health, but most vets recommend at least once per year. 

So how much will vet visits cost you? It depends on the reason for the visit. We looked at common vet bills from some of the best pet insurance companies to see how much different types of vet visits typically cost. See what you can expect to pay below.

The average cost of a vet visit is $50–$200, but certain tests and treatments will increase the price. It also depends on the level of care you choose, such as whether you opt to have anesthesia administered for procedures or take your pet to multiple specialists. A basic vet visit involving a brief, noninvasive assessment of your pet will cost closer to $50. A more thorough evaluation will cost more.

A vet visit is any instance in which you take your pet in to see a veterinarian. This could be for routine reasons or more dire circumstances, but there are some things most vets will do at almost every appointment:

• Administer flea, tick, heartworm, and other parasite prevention if needed
• Assess weight
• Check lymph nodes and throat
• Evaluate teeth
• Examine the eyes for redness
• Listen to the heart and lungs
• Look into the ears and nose for abnormalities
• Palpate the abdomen to check for masses or pain
• Take pulse and temperature 

This evaluation will give your vet a good indication of your pet’s physical health. You’ll likely be asked questions about your pet’s behavior and have the chance to ask your own questions and share concerns. If you’ve come to the vet for a specific issue, your vet will make evaluations and administer treatment based on that condition.

What Are Reasons for Going to the Vet?

There are many reasons to take your pet to see a veterinarian. Here are some of the most common.

Vets recommend a yearly exam—twice yearly for senior pets—to make sure your pet’s health is on track and administer any preventive care your pet may need. A full physical can run anywhere from $100–$300 for dogs and $90–$200 for cats, depending on its age, breed, and location. The more testing your pet requires, the higher the price will be. 

Pets experience allergies, too. Coughing, excessive licking, scratching, and sneezing are all signs your pet is dealing with allergies. A vet will likely conduct a skin test to determine what kind of allergy your pet has and make a treatment plan. This type of visit will likely cost $200–$250, or $200–$300 if a blood test is needed.

Diagnostic testing is necessary when you don’t know what’s going on with your pet. This can include blood work, MRIs, ultrasounds, urine tests, and X-rays. You should ask your vet in advance how much these tests will cost, but here are the average ranges:

• Blood work: $200–$300 
• MRI: $1,500–$2,500
• Ultrasound: $300–$600
• Urine test: $25–$100
• X-ray: $75–$400, depending on the complexity

Eye and ear infections are common in pets. It could be due to bacteria, mites, yeast, or an unnoticed injury. A vet will examine the area, determine the cause, and recommend treatment, which may include a prescription. As long as the issue doesn’t point to a more serious health condition, this visit will typically cost $120–$150.

An emergency is the worst reason to have to see a vet. Thankfully, there are 24/7 emergency vet clinics and animal hospitals you can take your pet to if it experiences a serious injury or shows signs of illness. Just like with humans, going to an emergency clinic costs more. Here are the most common expenses:

• ER exam: $75–$200
• Overnight hospitalization: $600–$1,700
• Multi-night hospitalization: $1,500–$3,500

Spaying and neutering costs vary depending on the kind of veterinary care you want for your pet. Anesthesia, IV fluids, pain medication, and other add-ons will increase the price. Spaying also costs more than neutering because the procedure is more complex. Standard clinics charge $200–$400 for dogs and $50–$4,200 for cats. 

Vaccinations are an important part of your pet’s health care. Core vaccinations should be administered in your pet’s first year of life based on the schedule your vet outlines. Your pet may need boosters as it ages. 

Here are common vaccines and their costs:

• Bordetella: $19–$50/dose
• DAPP or DHPP: $25–$50/dose
• Feline leukemia: $25–$50/dose 
• FVRCP: $25–$50/dose
• Influenza: $30–$50/dose
• Leptospirosis: $30–$50/dose
• Lyme disease : $30–$50/dose
• Rabies: $15–$50/dose

What Factors Affect the Cost of Vet Visits?

How much vet visits cost can vary depending on a few factors. Here are some of the most common.

Pet insurance can greatly offset veterinary costs and will cover most visits. Though routine checkups are rarely covered in basic accident-and-illness plans, diagnostic testing, emergency care, hospitalization, prescription medications, surgeries, and more are. Many providers offer wellness plans to cover preventive pet care, such as annual visits, for an extra monthly fee.

If you have a pet insurance plan, you’ll pay for your pet’s vet visit at checkout, then file a claim for that amount and get reimbursed by your provider within a couple of weeks. Most providers reimburse at least 70% of the vet bill, and some will reimburse as much as 100%.

We recommend pet insurance providers such as Lemonade , Spot , and Healthy Paws for their coverage and customer service.

If your pet needs care, the most important thing is to get to a vet as soon as possible. Being faced with a bill of $300 or more can be daunting, but visiting a vet clinic in a less metropolitan area can reduce the cost. We recommend that pet parents enroll their pet in a health insurance plan to prevent paying for vet bills out of pocket.

See our list of cheapest pet insurance companies for affordable options.

How much do most vet visits cost?

Routine vet visits typically cost $50–$300, depending on the evaluations and treatments performed. Emergency vet visits can run as high as a few thousand dollars. 

Why does the vet charge so much?

Vet prices are high for various reasons. Vets set their rates based on their medical education and credentials, how complex the exam or procedure they’re performing is, your location, the use of expensive equipment, and other variables that warrant or require high fees. 

How often should a dog go to the vet?

Healthy adult dogs should see a vet once per year for a routine wellness exam. Senior dogs should see a vet twice per year. 

What are the most common vet visits?

Pet owners most commonly take their pets to the vet for routine care such as annual checkups, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other preventive care. Other common reasons to take your pet to the vet are allergy testing, ear or eye infections, or illness or injury. 

How much does a vet visit cost?

$40 – $80 average vet office visit fee, $50 – $250 average annual checkup cost.

Average vet visit cost

The average cost of a vet visit is $40 to $80 for the office visit fee, which typically includes a physical exam. The total vet visit cost depends on the pet type and reason for the visit. A routine annual checkup costs $50 to $250 . Diagnostic testing, treatments, or surgery visits cost much more.

*Average office visit fee before any testing or treatments

Factors that affect your vet visit cost

The total cost of a vet visit can vary significantly depending on the reason for the visit and the services, tests, or treatments involved. Other factors that impact the cost include:

Practice type & location: A small, local veterinary office will likely charge less than a veterinary practice in a big city with advanced diagnostic testing and other higher-end services and treatment options.

Dog vs. cat: The total cost of vet visits for a dog may be higher than for a cat over your pet's lifetime. Dogs tend to be higher-maintenance pets overall. Additionally, most dogs are larger and weigh more than cats, so they typically require more medication for sedation and other treatments.

Pet’s age, breed, gender & condition: The testing, treatments, or services your pet needs will depend on what life stage they are in. The breed can also impact what ailments a pet may be predisposed to, which impacts the potential cost of their care.

Annual checkup visit

The cost of an annual checkup ranges from $50 to $250 , depending on the type of pet, the clinic, and the services provided during the visit. During an annual check-up visit, a veterinarian conducts a thorough examination of the pet to evaluate its overall health and detect any early signs of illness, including the following:

Listens to the animal's lungs and heart

Checks the pet's stance, gait, and weight

Examines the eyes, ears, teeth, gums, coat, nails, skin, abdomen, and rear end for any abnormalities

Reviews the pet’s medical history

Asks about diet, behavior, urine and bowel habits, and thirst level

Administers vaccinations to protect against diseases like rabies, distemper, and kennel cough

Prescribes preventative medications for parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms

Runs basic tests like fecal exams and other bloodwork

Discusses behavioral concerns and advises on training

Recommends future care such as future annual exams, dental cleanings, or additional testing as needed

Dog & puppy vaccines

Dog and puppy vaccinations cost $15 to $85 per dose , depending on the dog’s size and the vaccine type. Vaccines play a vital role in protecting your dog against various diseases and viruses like parvo and rabies. Puppies typically need a series of vaccinations totaling $75 to $400+ for their first year.

Cat & kitten vaccines

Cats and kittens also require vaccinations to safeguard their health. Like puppies, kittens need an initial series of vaccines which makes the first year’s vet visits slightly more expensive. Some vets offer vaccination packages to lower the cost per dose.

Kitten vaccinations cost $10 to $45 per dose , or $150 to $350 on average for the first year.

Older cats need vaccine boosters every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine. Adult cat vaccinations cost $40 to $150+ per year , not including the exam fee.

Vaccination costs for outdoor cats are usually higher than average as they include additional vaccines to protect them from viruses and infections they wouldn’t be exposed to indoors.

Senior pet care

Senior dogs and cats have specific care needs that differ from younger pets. As animals age, they may experience reduced mobility, poor eyesight, hearing loss, and various health issues.

Experts recommend 2 to 4 vet visits per year for senior dogs and 2 visits per year for older cats, to increase the chance of catching potential or fast-developing health issues early.

Senior dogs make up 44% of the pet population. The American Animal Hospital Association considers a dog a "senior citizen" during the last 25% of their estimated lifespan, so the age a dog becomes a senior varies greatly depending on the breed and size.

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), a cat reaches maturity at 7 to 10 years of age and enters its senior or geriatric stage at 10+ years.

Microchipping

A microchip is a tiny transmitter device placed just under the pet’s skin that contains an identification number unique to your pet. When the vet runs a special scanner over it, the microchip transmits the information to help identify the pet and its owner.

The cost to microchip a dog , as well as the cost to microchip a cat , is about $20 to $60 . Many clinics offer free or discounted microchipping at various times throughout the year. Some pet owners also bundle the microchip procedure with other veterinary services to avoid an extra office visit cost.

Microchipping is a wise choice even if your pet is indoors only, as there is always a chance they could get out or get lost unexpectedly.

Emergency vet visit

An emergency vet visit costs anywhere from $100 to $800+, depending on the type of emergency and services involved. Each service or treatment has an associated cost, so the cost increases with each test, scan, medication, or treatment your pet receives. If your pet needs emergency surgery, expect a bill in the thousands.

Diagnostic testing

Diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds, are often necessary to accurately diagnose and treat specific health conditions. The cost of these tests can vary widely, ranging from $50 to $500+ , depending on the type of test and the complexity of the procedure. Common veterinary tests include:

Surgeries & treatments

If your pet requires surgery or specialized treatment, the cost can be substantial. Surgeries can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the necessary equipment, and the duration of the hospital stay.

The table below lists the average cost for some common vet office surgeries and treatments.

While not strictly a medical expense, many veterinary clinics offer grooming services for pets. Full-service grooming typically requires a separate appointment, but you may be able to add some individual services, such as nail trimming, during your pet’s routine checkup visit.

Dog grooming prices range from $40 to $75 for full-service grooming.

Cat grooming costs $30 to $70+ on average.

A quick nail trim or ear cleaning typically adds $10 to $15 to your vet visit cost.

Pet insurance

Pet insurance costs $180 to $960 per year for an accident-and-illness policy, depending on the type of pet and the coverage limits and deductible amounts you select. For vet visits related to covered illnesses and injuries, pet insurance may reimburse you for some or all the associated costs.

Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or routine care.

Cat insurance plans typically cost less than insurance plans for dogs.

Many companies offer wellness plans that cover routine and preventative care not usually covered under a standard pet insurance policy.

Vet visit FAQs

How much is an emergency vet visit without insurance.

Emergency vet visits without pet insurance can be expensive, potentially costing hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the situation and the treatments required. If a comprehensive pet insurance plan is out of your budget, consider an accident-only plan which costs much less and could save you from an unexpected and costly emergency vet bill later.

Does pet insurance cover vet visits?

Most pet insurance plans do not cover vet visits for routine or preventative care. For vet visits related to a covered accident or illness, pet insurance typically covers certain parts of the visit after you’ve met your deductible, such as lab work, x-rays, other diagnostic testing, and surgeries, up to the percentage outlined in your policy.

Do vets do home visits?

While not as common as clinic visits, some veterinarians offer home visit services for a higher rate or an additional fee. This can be particularly useful for pets or pet owners with mobility challenges or for pets that experience high levels of stress during transportation.

Are veterinary services taxable?

In most states across the U.S., veterinary services are exempt from sales tax. This generally includes exam fees, testing, treatments, surgeries, medications, and other professional medical services for pets. However, pet food, toys, and over-the-counter retail products sold at veterinary clinics usually incur sales tax.

Tax policies can vary by state and local municipality, so check with your local authorities for the specific regulations in your area.

Choosing a veterinarian

When searching for veterinary services near you, follow these guidelines and trust your instincts to find a practice that meets your needs and aligns with your values:

Schedule an initial visit: Before committing, arrange a visit to the veterinary clinic without your pet. This allows you to tour the facility, observe the cleanliness and organization, and evaluate the staff's friendliness and helpfulness.

Inquire about their services and specialties: Ask about their range of services and if they can perform procedures such as X-rays or surgeries on-site. If your pet has specific needs, such as geriatric care, behavioral issues, or chronic conditions, ask about the clinic's expertise and experience in those areas.

Confirm their availability and preparedness: Inquire about the clinic's operating hours, including weekends and holidays. Determine how they handle emergencies after hours or on weekends, whether through an on-call vet, a dedicated emergency clinic, or a referral system.

Consider their approach: Determine if the vet's demeanor and communication style resonate with you and make you feel comfortable. Some veterinarians may be warm and nurturing, while others may have a more clinical and businesslike approach.

Ask about pricing and payment options: Inquire about the costs associated with various services, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, and common procedures. Also, review their payment policies, accepted forms of payment, and any available payment plan options.

Ask about continuity of care: If the practice has multiple veterinarians, inquire about their protocols for ensuring continuity of care. It can be beneficial if your pet can see the same vet consistently, as they will have a better understanding of your pet's medical history and unique needs.

Questions to ask a veterinarian

When choosing a veterinary clinic, consider not only the cost but also the quality of services provided. Here are some questions to ask your potential veterinarian:

What are your qualifications and areas of expertise?

How long have you been practicing veterinary medicine?

Will my pet see the same veterinarian every visit?

Do you offer emergency services or have an arrangement with an emergency clinic?

What diagnostic equipment and facilities do you have on-site?

How do you approach preventive care and wellness plans?

Do you provide detailed treatment plans and cost estimates?

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

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How much is a vet visit for a dog without insurance?

By Tim Maxwell

Edited By Angelica Leicht

Updated on: March 22, 2024 / 11:24 AM EDT / CBS News

According to the US. Census Bureau, 49 million households own dogs, or roughly 38% of the nation's 128.5 million occupied housing units. Of course, we love our pets, so much so that 97% of all pet owners consider their pets part of the family, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

While our love for our dogs is limitless, unfortunately, our budgets are not. Many dog owners don't always have the financial means to pay for veterinary expenses. Veterinary costs can range from $410 for annual routine medical costs and preventative medication to $5,000 or more to treat more serious injuries. Keep in mind, the Federal Reserve reports roughly a third of all Americans could not afford an emergency of $400 or more with cash.

Not surprisingly, many Americans are turning to pet insurance to help offset some or all of these costs. Pet insurance is similar to human health insurance in that it covers a portion of your pet's veterinary costs. Get prepared with a free quote and find a plan that fits your budget

Here's how much you might expect to pay for veterinary expenses with and without pet insurance.

Compare your top pet insurance policy options online today .

The average cost for a routine vet visit for a dog ranges from $50 to $250, according to CareCredit. Additionally, a heartworm test can cost between $35 and $504. Flea and tick prevention costs around $25 per month, and heartworm prevention is roughly $10 monthly.

While routine expenses are typically more manageable, it's the unpredictable injuries and illnesses that catapult veterinary costs. Here's a brief sampling of potential costs for treatments according to data from Preventive Vet, a site operated by veterinarians and other veterinary professionals:

• ER exam:  $100 to $200
• Ultrasound: $300 to $600
• Wound treatment and repair: $800 to $2,500
• Dog bite wounds: $1,000 to $10,000+
• One to two days hospitalization: $600 to 1,700
• Three to five days hospitalization: $1,500 to $3,500
• Toxin ingestion: $250 to $6,000
• Urinary tract obstruction: $1,500 to $3,000+

As these figures show, veterinary expenses can be expensive and hit you when you least expect it. For example, an active dog could tear a cruciate ligament jumping or turning awkwardly while playing. If you don't have emergency savings to cover your dog's healthcare or emergency costs, pet insurance may be worth considering . Get a free, personalized quote in minutes .

How much is a vet visit for a dog with insurance?

Depending on your policy, you'll generally pay between 70% and 90% of your dog's covered veterinary expenses. In most cases, you'll pay the veterinarian for their services upfront and receive a reimbursement from your pet insurer — minus the deductible — to help offset the total cost.

According to USA Today, dog insurance costs an average of $45 monthly for accident-only coverage up to a $5,000 annual coverage limit. A slight increase to an average of $55 monthly could be worth it for an accident and illness policy with unlimited coverage. If you file a claim, you'll have to pay a deductible, which can range from $0 to $2,500, but most policyholders choose a $250 deductible.

Using these figures, let's say your dog must receive treatment for a urinary tract obstruction at $2,250. With an accident-only policy and an 80% reimbursement rate, you'd save $1,800 (80% of $2,250). After factoring in the $250 deductible, your total costs would be $700. In this scenario, veterinary treatment for your dog without insurance would be $2,250, but with insurance, your total cost is $700, representing a $1,550 savings.

Bear in mind that you would pay more out-of-pocket if the veterinary bill exceeded the policy's $5,000 annual coverage limit. Given the high cost of emergency treatment, the unlimited coverage option may be worth the moderately higher monthly cost.

"With the costs of emergency care skyrocketing, a lot of owners are paying for policies that essentially leave them underinsured when they need it most," says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinary medical advisor for Rover. "I would recommend at least 5,000 to $10,000 of coverage per category. If a broken leg costs $4,000 to $6,000 to repair these days, having a maximum of $3,000 of coverage leaves pet parents with a significant out-of-pocket balance."

Find out what the right pet insurance policy would cost today.

How do you get inexpensive pet insurance for a dog?

Here are a couple of practical ways to bring down the cost of pet insurance for your furry family member:

• Customize your policy options: When you sign up for pet insurance, you can usually adjust your policy's reimbursement rate, annual coverage limit and deductible to suit your needs and budget. "In many cases, you can lower the cost by raising your deductible or playing around with the amount of coverage," says Janice Costa, the founder and owner of Canine Camp Getaway.
• Look for discounts: Many pet insurers offer discounts , such as multi-pet discounts, usually for 5% or 10%, for insuring more than one pet. Similarly, military veterans are often eligible for premium discounts. "Some insurance companies will also provide a discount if your dog is a therapy dog, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other types of insurance that the company might offer," says Costa.

Get a customized price quote now and get started or use the table below to review some top pet insurance providers.

The bottom line

Remember, most pet insurance companies don't cover pre-existing conditions. So if your dog is already struggling with a health issue, it may not be covered. Remember, most pet insurance companies don't cover pre-existing conditions. So if your dog is already struggling with a health issue, it may not be covered. That's why it's important to get your dog covered early in life if possible when they don't have health issues. It's also critical to read the fine print and ask questions to make sure you understand what the policy does and doesn't cover and what you're responsible for paying.

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How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost?

Elizabeth Kowalski holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. After more than 10 years working as a certified veterinary technician, she chose to pursue veterinary writing, combining years of practical knowledge with a talent and passion for the written word. She has been featured in industry publications such as Today’s Veterinary Business . Elizabeth enjoys creating content for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and spends her free time playing sand volleyball and lounging at home with her pitbull, Piglet, and husband, Brenton.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

The average cost of a routine veterinary checkup is $25 to $186 , based on research conducted by the MarketWatch Guides team. The actual cost will depend on the type of pet, where you live and the services your pet requires, such as vaccinations, blood tests, imaging, medications or other treatments.

Key Takeaways

The average cost of a routine veterinary checkup is $25 to $186, according to the pet financing experts at CareCredit .  Emergency vet visit costs can range from $374 to $1,285. Connecticut has the most expensive routine vet costs, with an average bill of $93. The average cost of pet vaccinations ranges from $20 to $60.

5,534 pet owners requested and received a free no-obligation quote from one of the above companies in the last 30 days.

Average Veterinary Visit Costs by State

According to the American Pet Products’ (APP) National Pet Owners Survey , which uses data from 2023 to 2024, 66% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 86.9 million households. Whether you already have a pet or want to add a furry friend to your home, understanding how much a vet visit costs can help you prepare for expected — and unexpected — veterinary bills.

The actual cost will depend on the type of pet, where you live and the services your pet requires, such as vaccinations, blood tests, imaging, medications or other treatments.

The most basic veterinary service is an “office visit,” which includes a physical examination and veterinarian consultation to determine your pet’s care needs.

The following chart outlines the average office visit costs in each state across the country. This will give you an idea of local pricing, but your vet clinic may charge slightly more or less.

Emergency Veterinary Care Costs

According to a CareCredit study , the average annual pet health care costs — which include expected wellness expenses and sick pet and emergency care — range from $374 to $965 for cats and $534 to $1,285 for dogs. Unfortunately, you cannot always predict your pet’s health needs and certain diseases or conditions can cost extra thousands any given year.

We calculated expected care costs for common pet illnesses and injuries using claims data from several popular pet insurance companies . The chart below outlines costs for common pet illnesses and injuries:

What Impacts The Cost of a Vet Visit?

Veterinary costs depend on several factors, including where you live, your pet’s age, breed and if they have any pre-existing conditions. Generally speaking, mixed-breed pets may cost less to insure than certain purebreds with an increased risk of genetic diseases or specific breed-related problems, such as French bulldogs . Puppies, kittens and senior pets may also require special veterinary care that typically costs more than standard adult pet care.

Cats and dogs incur similar costs throughout their lifetime, although cats may cost slightly less because they are smaller, require fewer vaccinations and are less accident-prone. However, cats are not necessarily healthier than dogs and may incur significant vet bills for acute or ongoing medical conditions.

When To Bring Your Pet To The Vet

There are a few reasons that pets should visit the vet , including annual routine care visits and emergency care for accidents or illnesses.

Annual check-ups:  It is recommended that pets visit the vet once a year for a routine wellness exam. During this exam, a vet will check for any developing health issues and ensure vaccinations are up-to-date.

Illnesses:  If a pet displays symptoms like lethargy, changes in appetite or thirst, or physical changes, they may have developed an illness that requires a veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Making sure a sick pet receives veterinary attention gives it the best chance at recovery.

Accidents:  Pet injuries resulting from events like falls, cuts or getting hit by a car may require immediate vet care like wound treatment or surgery. Having an emergency vet fund or pet insurance can offset high costs in these traumatic situations.

Specialty care or surgery:  For complex health issues beyond a general vet’s expertise, pets may need referrals to dedicated specialists like surgeons, ophthalmologists, dermatologists or neurologists. These services provide focused treatment but typically cost more.

Other emergencies:  Even with the best care, pets can experience emergencies like choking, heat stroke and toxin ingestion that require immediate veterinarian care. Preparing an emergency plan, including which veterinary office to visit, can help your pet get care quickly when in need.

What To Expect During a Veterinary Visit

Routine check-up exams.

Your pet should visit the veterinarian at least once per year for routine care, which costs an average of $50 to $80 for a cat or dog. Your vet will perform a nose-to-tail examination of your pet and discuss with you any abnormal findings and the benefits of additional treatments. Routine wellness examinations can detect health issues early before they snowball into larger problems. Common examples include:

• Dental disease
• Lumps or bumps
• Heart conditions

Vets often perform other wellness services, such as vaccines , parasite testing, microchipping or geriatric screenings, alongside a routine checkup. As a note, the cost of these services may vary and are not typically included in the price of a routine checkup.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your pet from serious and sometimes deadly diseases that circulate among wildlife or other community pets. Puppies and kittens are most at risk for contracting these diseases because of their immature immune systems, but adults can also be affected.

A vaccine works by presenting your pet’s immune system with inactive versions of bacteria or a virus, so their system learns to fight future diseases. This immunity is crucial not only for pets but also for people since some diseases can be spread from pets to humans.

Most vaccines are administered as an initial series with two or three doses several weeks apart, and your pet is boosted with another single dose every one to three years, depending on the product. A single vaccine dose can cost from $20 to $60 .

Vaccination Costs for Dogs

You can break vaccinations down into core and non-core categories. Core vaccines are recommended, or required by law in some cases, for all pets. Non-core vaccines are recommended only for pets with specific lifestyle factors that increase disease risks, such as socialization with other pets or swimming in natural water.

The average cost of vaccines for dogs is summarized in the table below:

Vaccination Costs for Cats

Cats require different vaccinations than dogs, and generally receive fewer vaccinations overall. All cats — including exclusively indoor cats — need vaccinations to stay healthy. While vaccines sometimes caused tumors at injection sites in the past, the tumor-causing substances have been removed from modern, cat-specific vaccines.

The following table summarizes the  average cost of cat vaccines :

Flea, Tick and Heartworm Prevention

Fleas and ticks are not only a nuisance for your pet and in your home, but also serve as vessels that can transmit dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease or cat scratch fever, to you and your family. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites and live in your pet’s heart and lungs. They can grow up to a foot long, causing inflammation, serious damage and sometimes sudden death.

Diseases that result from fleas, ticks and heartworms can be expensive and difficult to treat, which is why monthly preventive medications against all three parasites — typically combined into one or two separate products — are recommended for all pets. Currently, six months of protection from the three parasites cost around $150 for cats and up to $210 for large dogs.

Dental Care

Dental disease affects nearly all dogs and cats by 2 years of age, and causes difficulty eating, pain, loose teeth and bad breath. Similar to people, pets need regular professional dental cleanings, although pet cleanings must be performed under general anesthesia. Annual checkups and cleanings are ideal, but some pets may require more or fewer frequent visits.

Professional dental care costs vary depending on disease severity. A routine, preventive dental cleaning averages $300 to $500 , but pre-anesthetic blood work , tooth extractions, X-rays or medications may be extra.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering are routine surgeries recommended for most pets to prevent reproduction and reduce cancer and other reproductive health problems. A spay surgery removes a female pet’s uterus and ovaries, and a neuter surgery removes a male pet’s testicles. Sterilization procedures average $200 to $600 .

In general, spaying is more expensive than neutering because the surgery is more invasive. Both procedures are less expensive in cats than in dogs. Shelters, rescues, your local ASPCA or low-cost community clinics may offer procedures at a lower cost than private veterinary hospitals.

The following table summarizes the average spay and neuter costs for dogs and cats:

Diagnostic Testing

Routine diagnostic tests that provide more information about internal health usually round out your pet’s wellness visit. Early organ function changes are generally not detectable on a physical examination, but diagnostic tests will help catch any changes. When compared year after year, annual diagnostic blood and urine tests allow your veterinarian to determine your pet’s baseline and watch for slowly trending values over time.

Typical costs for blood and/or urine tests are $80 to $200 for dogs or cats. Annual heartworm testing, which will run around $35 to $75 , is also recommended for dogs.

Medications

Routine medical issues, such as urinary tract infections, allergies, kennel cough or gastrointestinal (GI) upset, are often resolved with medications. Arthritis, thyroid disease or diabetes management may also require long-term medications.

For your convenience, most veterinarians stock medications in-house or provide an online pharmacy store. An independent pet or human pharmacy can also fill your pet’s prescription. Many larger pharmacies provide medications at a lower cost than private veterinary facilities because of their collective buying power.

Below are some common pet medications and their average costs, according to Chewy , a popular, competitively-priced online pet pharmacy.

Fecal Examinations

A fecal exam is the study of a small stool sample on a microscope slide, looking for and identifying eggs that would indicate intestinal parasite infestation. These tests can be performed at the veterinary hospital or sent to an outside veterinary laboratory. Puppies and kittens commonly harbor parasites that were passed in utero so they require several serial tests. Adult pets need fecal tests once or twice per year , depending on their exposure level to other pets.

Fecal tests are similar in pricing to heartworm tests, with an average cost of $35 to $75 .

Questions To Ask Your Pet’s Veterinarian

If you are looking for a lower-cost or new veterinarian, remember that pricing is set per practice and can vary widely. Plus, your decision should be based on more than cost, as lower costs sometimes equate to corner-cutting. A good veterinarian will discuss total costs with you upfront and provide you with a spectrum of treatment options, allowing you to choose the best option for your pet’s needs and your family’s budget.

Ask your veterinarian these questions to help you budget for your pet’s care:

• How much do you charge for an office visit?
• What vaccinations does my pet need?
• Does my pet need annual diagnostic tests?
• Which parasite preventives are best for my pet?
• How can I avoid unexpected pet health costs?
• Do you offer payment plans for surgeries or other large bills?
• How can I save money on my pet’s medications?
• How often should my pet visit for wellness care?
• Do you offer any promotions or discounts throughout the year?

How To Save Money on Veterinary Visits

Most pet owners consider their pets as family members and want to provide them with the best possible veterinary care. But this is becoming more difficult as vet care costs rise. Budgeting for expected wellness expenses by setting money aside is a good start, but you should also consider setting up an emergency pet fund, opening a pet credit card or purchasing pet health insurance to help cover unexpected costs.

How Pet Insurance Helps with Veterinary Costs

Pet insurance works similarly to human health insurance, with a few differences. You pay a monthly or annual premium for veterinary care coverage, but most pet insurance plans require you to pay your veterinarian directly and receive reimbursement for the bill later. Major plans cover accidents and illnesses, and many also offer optional wellness and dental coverage. Sliding reimbursement rates and deductible amounts allow you to customize most insurance policies.

One major caveat to pet insurance is that it rarely covers pre-existing conditions , unlike many human health insurance plans. So the earlier you acquire your pet’s health insurance, the more complete their coverage will be over time. You can still purchase a plan later in your pet’s life but will have to continue covering costs associated with any existing conditions. For example, if your pet has cataracts when you purchase an insurance policy, versus developing it afterward, your provider will likely not cover treatment.

Similar to a human health insurance policy, pet insurance premiums rise as your furry friend ages. Premiums may also depend on your pet’s breed. Average annual pet health insurance costs between $350 and $500 per year for a standard accident and illness plan. When you consider unexpected pet expenses, insurance can save you money over time and make healthcare decisions easier.

Let's say your pet had an emergency vet visit that costed $150. With an 80% reimbursement rate, you would pay $30 out of pocket.

Accident and Illness Plans

A good accident and illness plan covers pet injuries, illnesses and chronic diseases — as long as they are not pre-existing. Always read your policy’s fine print carefully before choosing a plan. You should also consider what could happen to your pet down the road and what treatments you’d like covered. Avoid plans with per-condition spending limits or per-condition deductibles.

We recommend that you consider the following coverages when choosing a pet insurance policy:

• Hereditary, congenital and breed-related conditions: Insurance is necessary for all purebred pets due to the risk of breed-specific diseases, and should be considered for most other pets.
• Bilateral conditions: If your pet tears a knee ligament on one side, they likely will tear the other. You want to make sure your plan covers both the initial and second incidents.
• Cancer care: Most plans include cancer care, but may have specific exclusions or limits regarding treatment.
• Rehabilitation: If your pet has surgery, will the plan cover their post-operative rehabilitation? This is an important consideration so you have coverage for any resulting treatments.
• Complementary and alternative therapies: If you prefer a holistic approach, you’ll want this coverage for treatments such as acupuncture or laser therapy.
• Chronic conditions : Check your policy’s coverages for common chronic conditions , such as kidney disease or arthritis. Good pet insurance plans cover long-term conditions without significant limitations.

Accident-Only Plans

Accident-only plans are not the best option for most pet owners since they do not provide continued coverage for ongoing medical concerns. While these policies may be a good option if your pet has pre-existing conditions, you should focus your coverage on unexpected events like emergency vet visits.

Preventive Care Plans

Pet insurance is not intended to cover routine wellness exams and costs, which you can instead plan and budget for. If you add a preventive care or wellness plan to your policy, you’ll pay a higher monthly premium, but will have fewer out-of-pocket veterinary expenses.

When evaluating preventive care plans, compare your pet’s typical annual wellness costs to any additional premium charges. You should also consider your budgeting capabilities and if you can put money aside for your pet’s wellness care, which lessens the need for pet insurance with a preventive care add-on.

Why Trust Us?

Frequently asked questions about veterinary visit costs, how often should my dog visit the veterinarian.

How often a dog should go to the veterinarian depends on their age and health . Healthy puppies will need to visit once per month until their vaccinations are complete at 4 months old. Adult dogs should visit once per year. Seniors or dogs with health conditions should visit twice per year.

What is the average cost of a veterinary visit for a dog or cat?

A dog or cat routine veterinary visit costs on average between $50 and $250 , depending on the services provided. Care for a sick pet can cost substantially more.

How much does it cost to spay a dog?

Spaying or ovariohysterectomy is the removal of a female dog’s uterus and ovaries to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reproductive tract cancers. This is a major surgery performed under general anesthesia and averages $400 to $600 .

What does a veterinarian do when they examine a pet?

During a physical exam, your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive, nose-to-tail body system review, which includes:

• Eye exam with ophthalmoscope
• Ear exam with otoscope
• Oral/dental health exam
• Body weight and muscle tone assessment
• Skin, coat and external parasite check
• Heart and lung auscultation
• Basic orthopedic exam

How much is a veterinary visit in California?

California’s overall cost of living is higher than other areas in the U.S., so veterinary care may be more expensive. Banfield Pet Hospital, a large national veterinary chain, charges $79 in Los Angeles and $94 in San Francisco for a basic office visit — much higher than the average $64 in other cities and states.

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

A big pet peeve: Soaring costs of vet care bite into owners' budgets

SAN FRANCISCO – When one of the family's two cats suddenly stopped eating on a Thursday last month, Dave Lambert knew there was something wrong with 12-year-old Ender, a pet so perceptive as to recognize the sound of the Lamberts’ car and regularly greet them at the front door.

Dave and his wife, Rena, canceled a weekend trip to Denver for his mother’s 80th birthday and had Ender run through a series of tests, which determined he had cancer. By Sunday, when it became clear Ender couldn’t be saved, the veterinary bills had already added up to $6,500. An in-home euthanasia cost another $500.

Lambert, a finance professional in San Francisco, said he could tell there was an 80%-90% chance the quickly mounting charges wouldn’t result in keeping the cat alive but felt they had to do everything reasonably possible for such a beloved member of the family.

“The surprising thing for both Rena and I was we just had no idea how attached we were to him, how hard it hit us,’’ he said.

As Americans of all income levels care for their cherished animals, they’re facing bigger vet bills that can substantially impact their finances and sometimes complicate already wrenching decisions.

Veterinarians are reporting a marked increase over the past several years – especially since the pandemic – in the cost of running a practice, which inevitably gets passed along to clients.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the price of urban veterinarian services rose by 7.9% from February 2023 to February 2024, more than 2½ times higher than the average of all consumer items. Compared with two years ago, urban vet care is up 11%, and over the last decade it has soared by nearly 60%.

A survey by USA TODAY Blueprint this year shows 91% of pet owners have endured some level of financial stress because of pet care costs. Last summer, a Forbes Advisor poll revealed 63% of dog and cat owners said inflation had made it harder to pay an unexpected vet expense, and 42% said they would go into debt if the bill was for $999 or less.

Pit bull attack leads to soaring surgery bills

Micah and Angie Cacopardo spent $17,000 on surgeries and other treatment for their greyhound, Lenny, after it was attacked by a pit bull two years ago at a dog park in Raleigh, North Carolina, leaving their then-3-year-old pet with a large gash and severely torn skin.

The sudden expenditure put a significant dent in the budget of the young couple, who were saving to have their first child.

“In the beginning it was, ‘Start swiping this Visa, we’ll figure it out later,’’’ said Micah, 33, a construction estimator for a home-damage restoration company. “There was literally no planning for it, which is the tricky part. If you knew six months beforehand, it would be a lot easier.’’

The Cacopardos got some help after setting up a GoFundMe page that brought in more than $4,000 in donations, but they were still left with a large debt and the feeling the veterinary industry “definitely had the knowledge to do better by the client,’’ he said.

'An out-of-pocket expense for most people'

The high price of services and medications can lead to sticker shock for the estimated 95% to 97% of owners whose pets are not covered by health insurance, which is not subsidized by employers, contrary to what’s typical with people.

“It’s less like human health care than it is like other service industries,’’ said Dr. David Lee, an associate dean and professor at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s an out-of-pocket expense for most people.’’

Lee listed several reasons for the rising costs of veterinary care, among them a shortage of vets – some driven to retirement during the stressful pandemic years, others lured by specialty practices and emergency clinics – and a chronic dearth of technicians.

Increased demand from a surge of pandemic-era pet adoptions and a subsequent tight labor market that endures have pushed up labor costs, which Lee said can make up 60% of a practice’s expenses. Other factors at play include more expensive medications and technologically advanced diagnostic tests, along with increasing corporate consolidation and the growing presence in the industry of private equity firms.

About 25% of the nation’s 30,000 veterinary clinics are owned by large chains, and that percentage triples when it comes to pricier emergency and specialty clinics, The Associated Press reported . Independent vets worry a profit-focused approach may spike prices and worsen care.

“As investors want more and more returns, the easiest thing to do is to raise fees, which puts it back on the clients,’’ Lee said. “We’re very concerned that there could be as much as 35% of pet owners who will not have affordable access to veterinary care in just the next few years.’’

Some pet owners are delaying care

Dr. Link Welborn, owner of an independent network of eight pet hospitals in and around Tampa, Florida, said consolidation has led to more competition for veterinarians and technicians, “which has contributed to wage inflation and the associated increased costs for consumers.’’

He cites other rising expenses over the past four years, such as medical equipment and supplies, but they’re all secondary to paying more for labor. That makes for some difficult decisions for his clients.

“Unfortunately, higher costs reduce affordability,’’ Welborn said, “which causes some pet owners to delay care for their pets, particularly wellness care, or need a payment plan if their pet becomes ill.’’

Putting off preventive care, which often includes vaccinations, is exactly the opposite of what industry experts recommend for pet owners seeking to cut down on their vet bills, because those visits can uncover an issue that may be more expensive to treat later.

Pet insurance is an option for some

There are several other measures that can mitigate costs, such as using the drop-off option at pet hospitals that offer it or consulting with a triage service such as FirstVet , VetTriage or the Animal Humane Society's free Pet Helpline before taking a pet to an expensive emergency clinic.

The rising costs of care have also made buying pet insurance a more appealing alternative for some. Plans cost an average of $660 a year for dogs and about $560 for cats, and they vary depending on features.

Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association , said her trade group encourages pet owners to consider insurance and plan for unexpected costs.

“Preventive care is key to finding things early and dealing with problems early,’’ she said, “before they become a really expensive emergency.’’