How much do veterinarians cost?

Pet ownership comes with immeasurable benefits, but it isn’t cheap. Along with pet food, veterinary care is one of the biggest expenses that good pet parents face. You’ll have to contend with yearly checkups, vaccines, heartworm prevention, plus regular dental care—which can become incredibly pricey if your pet has periodontal disease. Treating specific health conditions can cost even more. 

A vast majority of new pet parents underestimate the cost of caring for their pet in the first year, according to a study by Credit.com. To avoid the same fate, learn how much to budget for veterinary expenses and the best ways to save on your pet’s health. 

Vet costs depend on the reason for your visit. When your pet needs an annual checkup or other routine care, it will be less expensive than if they need medical treatment for a health issue. 

The following are average health and wellness costs for dogs and cats. 

Veterinary treatments can be broken down into a few categories: preventive care, diagnostic testing, treatment for common health problems, and treatment for catastrophic health problems.

Keeping up with a pet’s everyday care can help curb more serious health problems and allow providers to detect health issues earlier when they’re easier to treat. 

Preventive care includes annual wellness exams, which typically involve a physical exam, a heartworm test for dogs, and blood work, plus sometimes a fecal exam for most furry friends. Vaccines are legally required in most counties. Dental cleanings and spay and neuter services are part of routine care, but these services are optional. 

Here are average routine care costs:  

Your vet may recommend tests if they suspect your pet’s symptoms are due to an underlying health issue. It helps to provide the vet with a log of your pet’s symptoms, since sometimes pets won’t show obvious signs of a health problem at their annual checkup.  

Allergy testing can help guide treatment, but it’s not typically necessary to treat a pet’s allergies. If you’re on a limited budget, you can skip this service without endangering your pet. 

Many pets will experience one of the following at some point in their lives. Luckily, these conditions are often easily diagnosed with standard tests, such as physical exams, blood tests, or urinalysis, and they can be treated with antibiotics or other common medications. 

Routine health issues can become catastrophic if they’re left untreated for too long—for example, a urinary tract infection could eventually create a blockage that requires surgery to fix. Other catastrophic health problems include accidents, broken bones, an intestinal blockage from swallowing a foreign object, autoimmune conditions, or cancer. 

Learn how to find the best vet for your pet.

The following issues can affect how much you’ll pay for veterinary care.

Location. Not surprisingly, states with a higher cost of living are also more expensive when it comes to pet health. Some of the country’s highest spending on vet care occurs in New York, California, Hawaii, and Washington, DC. Conversely, pet parents in North Dakota and Arkansas spend the least on vet services.  

Emergency services. If your pet needs emergency care outside of normal clinic hours, you’ll pay more for the 24/7 service. Even during business hours, a visit to an emergency animal hospital will likely be more expensive than seeing your family vet. 

Most veterinary clinics are equipped to provide the same care as an emergency clinic, but emergency clinics are designed to fit pets in without appointments or advance notice. Many veterinarians keep openings in their schedule for emergencies, so call your vet first to see if they can fit you in. If not, you’ll need to head to an emergency clinic. 

There are ways to obtain lower-cost veterinary services without sacrificing your pet’s health. Try one of these strategies to help reduce pet care costs: 

Here are some common questions pet parents have about the cost of animal care. 

What if I can’t afford a vet?
Pet insurance is one of the simplest ways for budget-constrained pet parents to reduce costs. You can also look for lower-price clinics or nonprofits in your community. If there’s a veterinary school nearby, they may also offer lower-cost care. 

Do you have to pay vet bills up front?
Most vets require pet owners to pay for services at the end of their visit. If you can’t afford it, some vets will set up a payment plan. Ask about this option before you choose a local veterinary clinic. 

How much does pet insurance cost?
Health insurance for your pet typically costs $6–150 per month, depending on their species and age. The average cost is $30 per month for a cat and $50 per month for a dog, but some dog breeds are more expensive to insure than others. Most policies have a deductible of about $100–$1,000, which you’ll need to pay before your insurance starts chipping in. Even with insurance, you’ll typically pay your veterinarian out of pocket, then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. Depending on your insurance policy, they may reimburse you at 100% or for only a portion of the costs. Carefully read the terms of their policies before signing up for pet insurance so that you fully understand the financial implications.