How much is a vet visit?
With the excitement and emotions that come into play when adopting a pet, it’s easy to lose sight of what it takes to look after an animal for the rest of its life. And vet costs are one of the most important points to consider when evaluating your financial readiness to adopt a pet. Owning a pet will mean many trips to the vet, whether for an annual check-up or because Fluffy hasn’t been eating well.
How much will those visits cost, and how can you cover the expense? To give you a better idea of what to expect, let’s explore some of the most common vet visits and what you’ll typically pay.
Basic vet visit costs
Our pets can’t always communicate with us to tell us something is out of sorts. Taking them for annual checkups is essential for establishing base levels and monitoring their overall health and wellness. A routine vet visit may cost anywhere from $50–$250, according to data from CareCredit.
Costs of routine care
During a routine well-visit, the vet will do a thorough physical exam and check your pet’s vision, hearing, teeth and gums, skin and coat, musculature, heart function and respiration.
- Routine vet visit: $50–$20 per year
- Flea and tick prevention: $22–$27 per month
- Heartworm prevention medication: $9–$11 per month
- Blood work: $80-$200 per year
Vaccinations for dogs
During an annual check-up, your vet may also administer vaccine booster shots. Regular vaccinations are critical to protect your pet from contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Core vaccines (must-haves) for your pooch include:
- DHPP (Canine distemper, Infectious canine hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza): $20–$60
- Leptospirosis: $30
- Rabies: $20–$30
Depending on your location and your pup’s lifestyle, your vet may recommend one or more of the following non-core (or lifestyle) vaccines:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough): $30
- H3N2/H3N8 (canine influenza): $20–$55
- Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi): $45
Several of my friends have dogs, plus he has play dates with a few neighbors' dogs at the local park, so I definitely opt to keep him up to date with some of the more "optional" vaccines, like bordetella. Plus it's required by his boarding facility. I have a local vet that I trust, and ultimately defer to her opinion on which ones are the right vaccines for my dog and our lifestyle.— Amelia Buckley, Senior Insurance Editor at Bankrate (pictured is her dog, Ferris Buckley)
Vaccinations for cats
The following core vaccines are essential for keeping your kitty safe from potentially life-threatening infections.
- FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia): $20–$40
- FeLV (feline leukemia): $25–$45
- Rabies: $20–$30
Non-core vaccinations for cats:
- Bordetella: $10–$30
- Feline chlamydia: $20–$40
Typical vet service charges
At a wellness visit, your furry friend may require additional tests or screenings to check for issues that may cause trouble (and expensive vet bills) further down the line.
- Allergy testing: $195–$300
- Dental cleaning: $100–$700
- Fecal exam: $25–$45
- Geriatric screening: $85–$110
- Heartworm test: $35–$50
- Urinalysis: $40–$70
Another essential cost to factor in is spaying or neutering your pet. Sterilization has been shown to help to limit aggression, territorialism and some reproductive organ cancers. Neutering or spaying your pet can cost between $160 and $220. Neutering is less invasive and therefore typically costs less. In many cases, spaying or neutering is done prior to adopting a pet and, therefore, may be reflected in the adoption fee.
Emergency vet visit costs
Emergency veterinary visits are significantly more expensive than routine care due to the urgent nature of treatment, specialized equipment and after-hours services. The cost can vary based on location, the severity of the condition and required treatments.
- Emergency exam: $100–$200
- Bloodwork: $80–$200
- Ultrasound: $300–$600
- X-rays: $150–$250
- Wound treatment: $800–$2,500
- Emergency surgery: $1,500–$5,000
- Pain medication: $40–$80
- Intravenous (IV) catheter: $60–$75
- IV fluids: $60–$95
Factors that influence the cost of vet care
Answering the question of how much vet care costs is not straightforward. The cost of veterinary care can vary widely depending on several key factors.
Location
Veterinary expenses can differ widely depending on where you and your furry friend call home. In urban areas, where the cost of living is higher, vet services tend to be more expensive due to increased overhead costs, such as rent and salaries. Rural areas may have lower costs, but fewer veterinary specialists or emergency clinics, which could mean traveling farther for certain treatments.
Breed
Certain breeds are predisposed to hereditary conditions that may require specialized care. For example:
- Large dog breeds (like Great Danes) are prone to joint issues and heart conditions.
- Brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs and Persian cats) often suffer from respiratory problems leading to higher medical expenses.
- Purebred pets may have a higher likelihood of genetic disorders compared to mixed-breed pets, increasing vet costs over their lifetime.
Age
Older pets generally require more medical attention. As pets age, they become more prone to chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes or heart disease. This may lead to increased vet visits, medications and potential surgeries. Preventive care is also crucial for senior pets, adding to overall costs.
Emergency vs. routine care
Routine care is generally predictable and more affordable. Many pet owners can budget for these annual expenses. Emergency vet visits are usually much more expensive due to the immediate, specialized attention required. Emergency clinics typically charge higher fees for after-hours or urgent services. In addition, diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds and blood work, can add up quickly, especially if your vet needs to run multiple tests to diagnose a condition.
General vet care vs. specialist care
If your pet requires care from a specialist, such as a veterinary cardiologist or oncologist, expect higher costs than a visit to a general veterinarian. Specialists often require advanced training and equipment, increasing the overall price of care. Advanced treatments like chemotherapy, orthopedic surgeries or physical therapy can also be costly.
How to cover the costs of vet care
Covering veterinary expenses can be challenging, but several financial tools can help pet owners manage costs effectively.
Medical savings account
A medical savings account is a dedicated fund where pet owners set aside money regularly to cover veterinary expenses. This approach provides financial flexibility and ensures that funds are available when needed.
Pros
- No restrictions on how the money is used. It can cover any vet expenses, including routine check-ups, emergency visits and medications.
- No premiums or policy limitations as with pet insurance.
- Interest may accumulate if kept in a high-yield savings account.
Cons
- Requires consistent saving habits to build up sufficient funds.
- It may not provide immediate relief for expensive, unexpected medical emergencies if the account isn’t fully funded.
- Unlike pet insurance, it doesn’t offer financial protection for large, unexpected bills unless substantial savings are available.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used for veterinary expenses. It offers financing options, including interest-free promotional periods if paid within a specific timeframe.
Pros
- Immediate access to funds for unexpected vet bills.
- Interest-free repayment plans (if the balance is paid in full within the promotional period).
- Widely accepted at many veterinary clinics.
Cons
- High interest rates apply if the balance is not paid off within the promotional period.
- A credit card can lead to debt problems if not managed carefully.
- Approval is based on creditworthiness, which may limit access for some pet owners.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of unexpected medical expenses by reimbursing a portion of vet bills based on the policy’s coverage. Plans typically fall into three categories: accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive policies that include wellness care.
Pros
- Pet insurance may reimburse for expensive medical treatments, including surgeries, cancer treatments and chronic illnesses.
- Reduces financial stress in emergencies, allowing pet owners to focus on the best care options.
- Some policies include preventive care and offer reimbursement for routine check-ups and vaccinations.
- Wide range of deductible and coverage options.
Cons
- Monthly premiums can add up, and coverage varies based on the provider and plan.
- Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage.
- Usually, owners must pay the vet bill up front and wait for reimbursement.
- Premiums aren’t fixed and may increase over the years.
It’s important to understand that having a pet is a big responsibility. Responsible pet ownership includes providing the care he or she requires starting the day you get them to their final day. Understanding what vet visits cost can help you prepare mentally and financially. Planning ensures that when your pet needs medical attention, you’re ready to provide the best possible care.
