How much does a vet visit cost?

Most people don’t consider their dog or cat a major expense. Or, they assume that a cat is cheaper to care for since they are smaller, or possibly indoors. But, preventative care and regular, routine appointments mean that the costs of caring for a pet—whether cat or dog—is comparable. Whether it's a planned vet visit or an emergency, here are the costs associated with a vet visit.

Covered in this report

• A ballpark idea of what routine, preventative, and emergency care for your pet might cost
• Common breed-specific conditions to watch out for
• Ways you can save money in the long-run

Base costs

The initial office call is either a routine checkup or a consultation based on your pet’s symptoms. The office call only covers the cost of setting an appointment and a physical examination of your cat or dog during regular business hours.

The cost of veterinary office calls

• Some veterinary offices keep the office visit quote low, knowing that pet owners will eventually come in and spend more on treatment.
• Routine care usually includes the consultation and extended exam. The only exception is if it’s a followup visit or the veterinarian is already aware of your pet’s history, in which case it would be cheaper (around $30-$40).

Annual checkups and preventive care

The type of visit, whether it’s a consultation, vaccination, or additional testing, impacts the cost of a visit. Additionally, that cost might increase based on breed and species. Certain “flat-faced” breeds need specialized care (Trusted Source) , such as breeds prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

Core and booster vaccinations

Veterinarians will determine a vaccine schedule, including core vaccinations and boosters. Boosters are given to kittens and puppies for 3 to 4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks of age. However, not all vaccinations require boosters.

The cost of pet vaccinations

Things to remember

• Local authorities may require specific vaccines and documentation of those shots. For example, some cities may require rabies shots every year or every three years.
• The ASPCA highly recommends core vaccinations in preventing common pet diseases. Vaccines help your pet’s immune system resist the invasion of disease-carrying organisms through antigens, which stimulate the immune system and help fight real infection later on.

Core vaccines for dogs

• Rabies
• DHPP
  • Distemper
  • Hepatitis
  • Parvovirus
  • Parainfluenza

Core vaccines for cats

• Rabies
• FVRCP
  • Panleukopenia
  • Rhinotracheitis
  • Calicivirus
  • Feline Leukemia

Heartworm testing

Heartworm testing checks for parasitic worms, which can lead to heartworm disease. Protecting your pet requires a blood test to check antigen levels, as well as a Difil test, to check for the presence of microfilaria.

The cost of a heartworm test

Fecal exams

Fecal exams focus on finding gastrointestinal parasites rather than those in the blood. A stool sample will be collected from your pet and analyzed under a microscope.

Common types of parasites found in dogs and cats

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Tapeworms
• Giardia
• Coccidia

The cost of fecal exams

Dental cleaning

Veterinarians will point out visible evidence of gingivitis in a cat or dog’s mouth. Yearly cleaning can prevent gingivitis and bleeding gums.

The cost of dental cleanings

Geriatric screening and other tests

Dogs and cats over seven years of age may require geriatric screening, which is a more in-depth examination that includes blood work, a urine analysis, and X-rays

The cost of geriatric screenings

Allergy testing

Pets can develop allergies just like their owners and may show symptoms, like sneezing, itching, or over-licking themselves. Veterinarians can detect allergy sensitivities with either a blood test or an intradermal skin test. Vets believe that skin tests have higher accuracy since a pet reacts to allergens directly.

The average cost of allergy testing

Ear care

Ear infections in cats and dogs are indicated by symptoms of constant scratching, ear-rubbing, discharge from the ears, swelling or redness, head shaking, and odor. Testing can determine the type of ear infection, and whether it’s mites, bacteria, or a yeast infection.

The cost of ear exams + medication

Flea control

Flea testing usually just involves visual inspection.

The cost of flea control medication

Spay and neuter costs

Spay surgery prevents unwanted pregnancies, stray male attention, and even reduces the chance of breast cancer and uterine infections (pyometra). Neutering eliminates spraying, reduces prostate problems, testicular cancer, and can help temper behavior.

Spay and neuter costs

Diagnostic testing (lab tests)

Diagnostic tests are essential, particularly lab tests, because the veterinarian needs a “baseline” check of a pet’s regular health to compare the results to changes later on.

The cost of laboratory testing

The exam (or extended exam)

• Pet is weighed on a scale
• Temperature is taken
• Eyes (Any signs of inflammation)
• Nose (Congestion)
• Mouth and teeth (Gum inflammation, tartar or breakage)
• Ears (Drainage, mites or inflammation)
• Heart and lungs (Murmurs or respiratory problems)
• Fur, paws, feet (Damaged or broken limbs)
• Backside, anus (Fleas or worms, bumps or lumps)

Other tests

• Urinalysis. A urine test for detecting urinary tract infection as well as other metabolic problems indicated by the appearance of proteins, sugars or blood particles
• Fecal matter. A stool sample tests for detecting parasites and worms.
• Complete Blood Count. Evaluates red cells, white cells, and platelets, as well as parasites or other invasions (Detects anemia, infection, leukemia, heartworms)
• Blood Chemistry Panel. Tests electrolytes, liver enzymes, glucose and protein levels, kidney values (Detects liver, kidney or gallbladder issues, endocrine diseases, and diabetes)

In-depth diagnostic testing

Testing for serious diseases might require diagnostic imaging services, like an ultrasound or radiograph/biopsy. Some vets also offer genetic testing for certain breeds to determine their predisposition to diseases.

The cost of diagnostic imaging

Common medical conditions for dogs and cats

It may also help to consider each unique condition, according to the most common problems in cats and dogs, as well as problems genetically associated with common breeds.

10 common medical conditions for dogs 🐩

10 common medical conditions for cats 🐈

Breed-specific considerations

Different breeds have a proclivity to certain conditions. Knowing which of these genetic influences will help you plan and budget accordingly.

Dog breeds with a high risk of health problems 🐩

Know which conditions your pet might be prone to

Cat breeds with a high risk of health problems 🐈

Know which conditions your pet might be prone to

Emergency vet visits

The cost of an ER visit varies wildly depending on the situation, but you can almost count on a bill of $500 or more.

The cost of your pet’s trip to the emergency room

🐩Dogs and ER costs

The 5 most common reasons dogs go to the emergency room

1. Trouble breathing (heart failure, toxins, cancer) radiographs
2. Collapse or paralysis
3. Seizures (epilepsy, brain tumors, low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalance)
4. Vomiting or diarrhea (gastrointestinal problems, intestinal blockage, cancer)
5. Choking (Lung problems, heart failure, bacteria or viruses)

🐈Cats and ER costs

The 5 most common reasons cats go to the emergency room

1. Urinary blockage (Inflammation, cancer, blood clots)
2. Pain (Spinal problem or blunt force trauma)
3. Toxin ingestion/exposure
4. Allergic reactions (insect bites or vaccine allergy)
5. Infection from an animal bite

Ways to save money on vet visits

Out-of-pocket costs for life-saving treatment can easily hit the $3,000 mark, especially if your pet has an ongoing condition that requires regular medication. Here are the most important things you can do to keep your pet healthy and prevent unexpected (and unnecessary) vet costs throughout your pet’s life.

Get the fundamentals right

The best thing you can do for your pet and your wallet is to focus on the basics of preventive care:

• Buy high-quality food. A healthy diet is key. Talk with your vet about whether your pet has any special nutritional requirements.
• Don’t skip wellness checks. Taking your pet to the vet before they’re sick is one of the best ways to make sure that you don’t spend tons of money at the ER later in life. Consider taking your pet for a wellness exam at least twice a year.
• Exercise regularly. Walk your dog and play with your cat. Exercise and diet help prevent diabetes, obesity, and arthritis.
• Keep your home free of toxins. Be mindful of potential toxins in your home, from cleaning supplies to food crumbs. Maintain your yard and clean the house regularly to reduce your risk of parasites.
• Invest in pet insurance. Pet insurance is a great way to recoup most of the costs associated with pet care. From add-on wellness plans to emergencies, it’s a great option.

Create an emergency budget

Prepare for the unexpected by creating a savings account exclusively for pet treatments. This way, your budget won’t be affected, and you won’t accrue any interest from credit card payments or a personal loan. Companies like Pawp offer pet parents (of dogs and cats) an annual $3,000 emergency fund for a monthly flat fee of $19.

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Shop around and compare vet prices

All vet clinics calculate their costs differently. Always shop around for a second and third opinion. You have a right to ask for a referral or even the contact number of another vet who can give a second opinion. It’s unlikely the vet is price gouging you, so they will have nothing to hide.

You can also ask for a written diagnosis rather than buying treatment in the office directly. Price compare medications from online stores, which don’t have to plan for store overhead and do frequently have much lower prices.

👉 One of the best alternatives to pet insurance is Pawp—for $19 a month, pet parents get 24/7 and unlimited access to licensed vets, plus an annual $3,000 emergency fund.

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