Four-legged family members cost money, and one of the expenses is medical care. To help you budget for pet parenthood, here are the average vet costs for different types of visits.
Being a pet parent is a responsibility that comes with various expenses, including routine check-ups and procedures. But knowing how much you’ll need to set aside for veterinary care can help you budget. So let’s explore the average vet costs for appointments, procedures, and vaccines at a veterinary clinic.
Routine Examinations
The average vet costs for this type of visit range from $45 to $55 for cats and $50 to $65 for dogs. However, these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as:
- Where you live
- Whether you visit a primary care facility versus specialty hospital
- The specific services provided during the appointment
Additional services might include blood tests, vaccines, parasite control, nail trimming, and ear cleanings.
Average Vet Costs for Common Procedures
Dental Care
Regular comprehensive oral hygiene and treatment (COHAT) procedures help assess oral health, freshen breath, and prevent and treat dental diseases. Routine dental procedures can range from $150 to $500, depending on the complexity and whether they need additional treatments.
Spay/Neuter
The average cost for spaying a female cat ranges from $200 to $400 while neutering a male cat costs between $150 and $300. For dogs, spaying typically costs anywhere from $300 to $800, and neutering ranges from $200 to $600. Speak with your veterinarian to determine the best age to spay or neuter your dog or cat.
Vaccinations
The cost of vaccines varies depending on the type of vaccine and the number of doses required—many require multiple doses. There are common vaccines like rabies and distemper/parvovirus, and they range from $15 to $30 per dose. Your veterinarian may recommend other vaccines based on lifestyle and risk factors. They can cost between $20 and $50 per dose.
Cost of Emergency Care
The cost of emergency care because of an accident or illness differs significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the treatments. On average, emergency vet visits range from $500 to $2,000 or more.
For surgical procedures, average vet costs vary based on whether they need a specialist, the complexity of the surgery, the duration of hospitalization, and necessary follow-up care. On average, surgical procedures for dogs and cats can range from $500 to $4,000 or more.
Holistic and Integrative Care
Holistic care focuses on treating the whole animal rather than specific symptoms or diseases. Moreover, this approach often includes alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling:
- Acupuncture sessions for dogs/cats may range from $50 to $150 per session
- Chiropractic adjustments can cost around $60 to $100 per session
- Herbal medicine and nutritional counseling expenses depend on the prescribed supplements or recommended dietary changes
End of Life Care Costs
When your fur baby’s journey comes to an end, euthanasia may be necessary to alleviate suffering. The cost of euthanasia typically includes the procedure itself, cremation or burial, and additional services. And the average cost for euthanasia can range from $100 to $300 at a clinic and $250 to $600 for a licensed veterinarian to come to your home.
Dr. Bethany Hsia is a veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet.
