How much does a veterinary visit cost?
You may wonder, “How much does a vet visit cost?” Vet visits can cost anywhere from $50 to $5,000 dollars depending on the circumstances. The cost for a vet visit will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of pet you have, where you live, and more. If you have a pet, or you’re considering getting one, you may want to look into purchasing pet insurance to help cover any vet costs.
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Laura Gunn
Insurance and Finance Writer
Laura Gunn is a former teacher who uses her passion for writing and learning to help others make the best decisions regarding finance and insurance. After stepping away from the classroom, Laura used her skills to write across many different industries including insurance, finance, real estate, home improvement, and healthcare. Her experience in various industries has helped develop both her ...
Insurance and Finance Writer
UPDATED: Jun 8, 2023
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UPDATED: Jun 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Veterinary visits can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars
- Emergency visits to the veterinarian are more costly than annual well visits
- Pet insurance can help you cover the cost of well and sick veterinary visits for your pet
Getting a family pet is an exciting experience. But people often forget about annual screenings and additional medical care that pets require. If you own a pet, you will eventually need to take your animal to the veterinarian. But how much does a vet visit cost?
Depending on your reason for visiting the veterinarian, your bill could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So if you have a pet or are considering getting one, you should consider purchasing pet insurance to help cover the cost of well, sick, and potential emergency veterinary visits.
You can use our free tool above to find and compare quotes for pet insurance from companies in your area that provide this unique type of coverage.
How much does a veterinary visit cost?
Nearly every pet needs to see a veterinarian at least once a year. These annual well visits allow pets to remain up-to-date on necessary vaccines and to ensure that they are healthy.
Well visits for your pet will likely cost approximately $100 or less. This will depend on the type of animal as well as the extensiveness of the medical examination.
If your pet is sick, however, you might pay far more for just one visit to the veterinarian. If your furry friend requires an initial visit, a test, or an examination, the following fees may be included:
- Routine checkup — $50-$200
- Spay/neuter — $160-$220
- Vaccines (per shot) — $10-$25
- Physical exams — $50
- Fecal test — $25-$45
- Heartworm test — $50
- Dental cleaning — $100-$400
- Allergy test — $200-$300
- Geriatric screening — $85-$100
As you can see, the simple and standard reasons why you may be taking your pet to the veterinarian can cost you a lot of money. The fee for veterinary visits only increases if your animal is sick or in some sort of emergency situation.
For example, some surgical procedures and unexpected veterinary costs include the following:
- Bloodwork — $100-$200
- X-rays — $150-$250
- Ultrasounds — $300-$600
- Short hospitalizations — $600-$2,000
- Long-term hospitalizations — $1,500-$4,000
- Wound treatment — $800-$2,500
- Emergency surgery — $1,500-$5,000
- Oxygen therapy — $500-$3,000
So, how much does an emergency vet visit cost? The answer will vary depending on your location, the type of pet you have, and other factors. But the truth remains the same — veterinary visits for your animal can cost way more than you expect.
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How do veterinary costs vary between dogs and cats?
In many cases, procedures for cats can be less expensive than for dogs. This is often because dogs — especially larger breeds — are more expensive to treat or sedate.
But how much does a vet visit cost for a cat? And how much is an emergency vet visit for a dog? The only people who can tell you for certain are the people who work at your veterinarian’s office.
While the average cost to own a dog or a cat is anywhere from $1,400 to $6,000 annually, there’s no telling how much individual care will cost until you actually need it.
How can I mitigate the cost of veterinary visits?
One of the best ways to help cover veterinary visits for your animal is to purchase pet insurance, which can cost anywhere from $10 to $150 a month. However, the potential coverage for your pet can be very helpful.
The table below highlights some of the coverages included with most standard pet insurance policies.
| Coverage | More Info |
|---|---|
| Accidents | This includes broken bones, poisoning, car accident, lacerations, foreign object ingestion which results in surgery. This also includes accidents that happen while hunting or in the line of service. |
| Illness | Including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, cruciate ligament injuries, skin and ear infections, urinary tract infections, and epilepsy. |
| Cancer | Coverage for blood work, MRIs, surgery, medication, and chemotherapy. |
| Hereditary & congenital conditions | Includes hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, cherry eye, IVDD, Wobbler Syndrome, glaucoma, and epilepsy. |
| Emergency care | See any licensed veterinarian, including emergency centers and specialists. Includes operations to remove foreign bodies like swallowed socks, surgeries for mass removals, and more. Plan also covers pre-anesthesia tests. |
| Prescriptions medications | Plans cover a wide range of prescription medications. |
| Ongoing/ chronic conditions | Your pet will still be covered up to your plan’s maximum benefit, even if treatment spans many months or years. |
| Diagnostics | Includes exams, bloodwork, MRIs, CAT scans, pathology reports and X-rays. |
| Older pets | There is no upper age limits for pets. Plans don’t reduce or cancel coverage based on your pet’s age. |
| Full coverage without spay or neuter | Prostate problems, hormonal skin conditions, perianal tumors, mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian conditions, as well as injury due to motor vehicle or aggressive behavior whether or not your pet is spayed or neutered |
| Behavioral conditions | Covers behavioral consults with, and/or medication prescribed by, a licensed veterinarian. |
| Dental coverage | Plans include coverage for periodontal disease. For pets age 0 to age 2, there is no teeth cleaning requirement in order to have periodontal coverage. For pets aged 3+, Pets Best will verify with your vet that a teeth cleaning was completed in the previous 13 months under general anesthesia. As long as the teeth cleaning comes through with no signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, your pet will have coverage if this develops. |
| Prosthetic devices and wheelchairs | When prescribed or provided by a licensed veterinarian to treat a covered accident or illness. |
| Euthanasia | Covers euthanasia for humane reasons. |
| Coverage while traveling | Your pet can be treated by any licensed veterinarian anywhere in the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico. |
| Exam fees | Plans include coverage for exam fees when your pet is seen by a licensed veterinarian for covered accidents and illnesses. |
| Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments | Plans include coverage for acupuncture and chiropractic treatments administered by a licensed veterinarian. |
| Physical rehabilitation | Covers hydrotherapy, cold laser and physical therapy. |
As you can see, pet insurance covers surgery, prescription needs, and much more in most cases. If you have a furry friend, or you’re thinking about purchasing one, pet insurance is a good thing to consider.
Should I purchase pet insurance?
Purchasing pet insurance is a great idea if you own an animal. This is especially true if you have a dog or a cat, as pet insurance is more likely to apply to them than to any other animal you acquire.
We recommend that you do some online research to determine which companies in your area are offering pet insurance. You can also compare quotes from multiple companies simultaneously to determine who will offer you and your family pet the best deal on coverage.
In fact, you can use our free quote tool below to begin searching for pet insurance today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there additional costs associated with veterinary visits?
Yes, there might be additional costs associated with veterinary visits. These can include the cost of medications, diagnostic tests, treatments, surgeries, or specialized procedures. These additional expenses will depend on the specific needs of your pet and the recommendations made by the veterinarian.
How much does emergency veterinary care cost?
Emergency veterinary care costs can vary significantly depending on the severity of the situation and the required treatments. Emergency visits often involve more intensive care, diagnostics, and treatments, which can increase the overall cost.
What factors can influence the cost of veterinary care?
Several factors can influence the cost of veterinary care. Some of these factors include the geographic location, the type of clinic or hospital (specialty or general practice), the experience and expertise of the veterinarian, the type of service or procedure needed, and any additional medications or treatments required.
Is pet insurance a good option to manage veterinary costs?
Pet insurance can be a helpful option to manage veterinary costs. It can provide financial assistance by reimbursing a portion of the veterinary expenses. The cost of pet insurance premiums can vary based on factors such as the type of coverage, the age and breed of the pet, and any pre-existing conditions.
How can I estimate the cost of a veterinary procedure?
To estimate the cost of a veterinary procedure, it is best to consult with your veterinarian directly. They can provide a breakdown of the costs associated with the specific procedure, including pre-surgical tests, anesthesia, surgery itself, post-operative care, and any required medications. Obtaining an estimate from the veterinarian beforehand will give you a clearer understanding of the anticipated expenses.
Are there any low-cost options for veterinary care?
Yes, there are often low-cost options available for veterinary care. Some communities have animal welfare organizations or nonprofit clinics that offer discounted services or financial assistance programs.
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Laura Gunn
Insurance and Finance Writer
Laura Gunn is a former teacher who uses her passion for writing and learning to help others make the best decisions regarding finance and insurance. After stepping away from the classroom, Laura used her skills to write across many different industries including insurance, finance, real estate, home improvement, and healthcare. Her experience in various industries has helped develop both her ...
Insurance and Finance Writer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.