Average Cost of a Vet Visit for a Dog - A Complete Review

A standard vet examination for your dog will typically cost between $45 to $55. However, a more comprehensive checkup, such as a physical, might increase your vet bill and leave you paying $100 to $300. Once more, a trip to the emergency clinic might leave you with a vet bill upwards of $200. While you might be able to anticipate routine checks and vaccinations, emergency vet visits often come as a surprise. Pet insurance could protect you from huge bills. 

Highlights/ Key Takeaways

• Routine vet visits typically range from $45 - $55.
• Diagnostic tests, dental checkups, surgery costs, and emergency vet visits can increase your bill significantly. 
• Pets generally require more treatment and care when they are older, resulting in higher veterinary fees.
• Pet insurance, such as accident-only and wellness insurance plans, might help cover your dog’s vet bills.

How much is a vet visit for a dog?

The average cost of a vet visit for a dog is typically between $45 - $55. However, a more thorough examination, such as a physical, might increase the cost to between $100 - $300. Any additional checks or tests will increase the price. At times, the cost of further check-ups can equal the cost of the initial treatment. 

Dog’s needs

Veterinary examination fees can cost between $30, at a primary care venue, to over $200 at an emergency facility. Assessments such as dog x-rays, diagnostic tests, medications, and procedures will raise the costs. You spend more on surgical procedures or laboratory analysis than you will on a routine visit. 

Age

If you own an older dog, you can bargain on higher veterinary fees, as pets generally require more treatment and care as they age. Dogs that are more advanced in age should receive regular vet check-ups so the vet can catch any issues. 

Location

Veterinary services differ according to location. Typically, the greater the cost of living, the more the vet in the area will charge. You shouldn’t be surprised if you need to pay more for vet services in Manhattan than in an affordable mid-western area. 

Vaccination Costs

A typical dog’s vaccination schedule

Your dog’s vaccination regime will vary according to your dog’s risk factors, state laws regarding rabies vaccinations, and your vet’s recommendations. Generally, adult dogs receive DHPP boosters each one - two years. Many states call for additional rabies vaccinations every three years. 

Here is an example of an adult dog’s vaccination schedule:

• Bordetella - annually
• Canine influenza - annually
• DHPP - every one to three years
• Lyme - every year following an initial series of two boosters
• Rabies - every three years 

Here is a list of typical vaccinations for dogs and their approximate average cost: 

• Bordetella - $19 to $50 per dose
• Rabies - $15 to $50 per dose
• DAPP or DHPP - $25 to $50 per dose
• Influenza - $30 to $50 per dose
• Leptospirosis - $30 to $50 per dose
• Lyme disease - $30 to $50 per dose 

Vaccination schedule for puppies

Generally, puppies need several vaccinations as their immune systems are not completely mature. Therefore, they are more prone to infectious illnesses. The vaccination schedule for young dogs is generally one or a series of vaccinations every three to four weeks. The vet will typically give your puppy its final vaccination when it is four months old. However, the vet might change the vaccination schedule to address your puppy’s risks. 

Dental Cleaning Costs

Maintaining the health of your dog’s teeth is a must for their general health. A lack of dental care might result in problems, including periodontal (gum) disease, severe health issues, and severe pain. 

Most dogs will need anesthesia during dental cleaning. The cleaning process can last more than one hour. If your pet is in good health, regular cleaning will cost between $500 - $1,000. However, if your dog is older and has oral health problems, you could pay over $1,000.

If your dog is fit and young and doesn’t have serious dental issues, you will likely spend between $200 - $300.

Diagnostic Test Costs

It is helpful to consider that the average vet clinic incurs many costs, including staff salaries, rent, diagnostic tools, and medical equipment. Such things are costly, and vets must charge fees to offset financial obligations. 

Diagnostic testing

Vet practices take money for diagnostic tests, consultations, and physical examinations. They might also bill you for lab work if they are required to study your pet’s tissue or blood samples. It can be difficult to predict costs for a diagnostic test, as they differ according to the vet clinic. 

Here are some general ranges, for diagnostic tests, that you can use as a benchmark: 

• Laboratory testing - $200 - $300
• X-rays - $75 - $250 for general x-rays or up to $400 for complex x-rays
• Ultrasounds - $300 - $600
• Urine tests - $25 - $100
• MRI - $1,500 - $2,500

Diagnostics to check for illness or injury:

• Bloodwork: $80 to $200 
• X-ray: $150 to $250
• Ultrasound: $300 to $600 

Emergency visits

Emergency visits for your dog are generally more costly than routine vet visits. Here are some typical ranges to look at:

• ER exam - $75 - $200 
• Diagnostic testing (might differ a lot) - $200 - $4,000
• Overnight hospitalization - $600 - $1,700/night
• Multiple-night hospitalization - $1,500 - $3,500

Surgery Costs

Pet emergency care might cost, on average, $800 - $1,500. However, complex procedures such as surgery will inflate the price. Costs differ dramatically, according to the case, and many dog owners don’t know the total fee until the emergency center gives an estimate.

A surgery appointment will cost more than a check-up. Furthermore, ongoing treatments, including cancer treatments, can amount to a sizable amount. 

Here are select veterinary services, including examinations, tests, and initial vet checks, and their approximate costs:  

• Neuter/spay - $160 - $220
• Regular check-ups - $50 - $250
• Vaccinations, per shot - $15 - $28
• Physical examinations - $45 - $55
• Fecal examinations - $25 - 45
• Dental cleaning - $70 - 400
• Heartworm test - $45 - $50
• Geriatric screening - $85 - $110
• Allergy testing - $195 - $300

Medication Costs

You can generally buy the medication your dog requires from your vet. 

Here is a list of medications a dog might require and their costs:

• Flea and tick prevention - $10 - $15 per month
• Heartworm preventative - $5 - $15 per month
• Pain medication - $40 - $80
• Antibiotics - varies

Emergency Vet Visit Costs

The standard approximate cost of an emergency vet appointment is $800 - $1,500. However, the price will vary according to the emergency clinic and your dog’s specific treatment needs. Nevertheless, ER visits are more costly than routine visits to a local vet’s clinic. 

Here are some reasons you might need to get emergency veterinarian treatment for your dog:

• Heatstroke
• Anaphylactic shock
• Poisoning
• Seizure
• Bloat
• Traumatic injury

Here is a breakdown of the costs of common surgeries and unforeseen vet costs:

• X-rays - $150 - $250
• Emergency surgery - $1,500 - $5,000
• Bloodwork - $80 - $200
• Ultrasounds - $300 - $600
• Wound treatment - $800 - $2,500
• Short hospitalizations - $600 - $1,700
• Extended hospitalizations - $1,500 - $3,500
• Oxygen therapy - $500 - $3,000

Paying for Vet Bills

Vet expenses differ according to the type of service your vet provides. Vet clinics take payment for services such as diagnostic testing, physical examinations, surgical procedures, lab work, hospitalization, anesthesia, and overnight stays. Pet insurance will cover most of these services, reimbursing you a percentage of your vet fees. 

If your dog requires an unexpected service because they need extra tests or develop a sickness, you might have to pay a lot out of pocket if you haven’t bought pet insurance. If your pet has an illness or is injured you will need to pay unforeseen vet bills. You might need to pay thousands of dollars based on the severity of your dog’s state. 

Pet insurance might be useful to offset your dog’s medical expenses for unanticipated issues, including illnesses and accidents, according to the plan you purchase. 

Here are some typical pet insurance plans: 

Accident and illness plans

This pet insurance plan provides coverage for the greatest range of health and medical issues, including hereditary and congenital problems. 

Here are some issues it covers:

• Chronic conditions such as ear infections and allergies
• Broken bones
• Diagnostics, including lab tests, CT scans, and x-rays
• Emergency care
• Digestive problems
• Hospitalization 
• Hereditary conditions
• Ingestion of foreign objects
• Prescribed medication
• Surgeries
• Serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

Accident-only plans

This plan insures your pet for accidents but not illnesses. For instance, if your young dog has deep cuts after boisterous play with a mature dog, your accident-only plan would pay for your pet’s medical fees.  

Accident-only plans are created for emergencies and don’t cover illnesses, so they are more affordable than an illness and accident plan.

Wellness plans

Wellness plans are not independent plans. However, most pet insurance businesses let you add wellness care protection to accident and illness coverage. 

Here are some of the medical expenses that a wellness plan covers:

• Vaccinations
• Flea and tick prevention
• Routine wellness checks
• Dental cleaning
• Heartwarm prevention

What to Expect During a Routine Vet Visit 

A routine vet visit is a veterinary checkup of your pet. A checkup is a brief cat or dog examination your vet conducts when your pet seems healthy. When you take your cat or dog to a clinic while they are healthy, you allow the vet to observe your dog’s current condition. This way, your vet can examine your dog for any diseases that might be hard to spot in their initial stages. While in their initial stages, diseases are generally more treatable, and sometimes your vet can work to prevent a condition entirely. 

Typically, when taking your dog to a routine assessment, the vet will look over your dog’s medical history and ask you about any concerns you have. They might also ask you about your dog’s exercise routine, diet, degree of hunger and thirst, urination, bowel movements, behavior, and lifestyle. 

Your vet might ask you to bring a fresh stool sample from your dog so the vet can carry out a fecal exam. By conducting a fecal test, your vet can isolate intestinal parasites in your pet. Next, your vet will likely conduct a physical exam of your dog.

Here are some checks a vet will generally perform during a physical examination of your pet:

• Listen to your dog’s lungs and heart
• Check your dog’s stance, weight, and gait
• Examine your dog’s coat for its general condition, abnormal hair loss, or dandruff
• Look at your dog’s ears for any indication of ear mites, a bacterial infection, polyps, or wax build-up
• Look at your dog’s nails and feet for damage or any evidence of more debilitating health issues
• Check the state of your dog’s teeth for any signs of wear or erosion, decay, or periodontal disease
• Look at your dog’s eyes for indications of cloudiness, redness, excessive tearing, eyelid problems, or discharge
• Feel along your dog’s body for evidence of disease, including swelling, signs of pain, or evidence of lameness (such as restricted movement) 
• Massage your dog’s abdomen to see if the internal organs seem normal and to inspect for indications of discomfort

If your vet does notice something of concern during a routine checkup, they will explain what they have found to you and suggest the steps and a recommended treatment plan. Your vet will also give your pet their annual vaccinations during its routine exam, according to your pet’s vaccination schedule. 

Final Word

As we have seen, standard vet checkups typically cost between $45 - $55. However, a more thorough examination of your dog might increase that price to $100 - $300. Plus, there are diagnostic tests, dental checkups, surgery costs, and emergency visits to consider - all these things will further bump up your final bill. 

Pet insurance might be a helpful way of offsetting your dog’s medical expenses, accounting for unexpected happenings, including illnesses and accidents. The two most common pet insurance plans are:

• Accident-only plans
• Wellness plans

Such plans might assist you with regular veterinary check ups or unforeseen accidents or diseases in your pet.