How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost?

The average cost of a vet visit in the US is approximately $70*, but this cost doesn’t include everything your furry friend may need at their visit.

Between vaccinations and fecal exams and diagnostic testing, the cost of a typical vet visit can climb quickly. Having a pet isn’t cheap, and you never want cost to be a barrier to getting the best care for your four-legged friend.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t start by mentioning the obvious—that Lemonade pet insurance is an affordable way to take the bite out of many expensive vet bills.

Let’s get into the expenses you might encounter with a typical vet visit. This way you won’t be shocked by a future bill. (Keep in mind that not all of these procedures would be covered by a pet health insurance policy.)

National vet visit cost by state 

Check out how much you can expect to pay for a routine vet visit in your state: 

State	Average cost of a vet visit
Alabama	$63.59
Alaska	$70.42
Arizona	$67.95
Arkansas	$60.95
California	$84.59
Colorado	$71.95
Connecticut	$73.95
Delaware	$78.95
District of Columbia	$82.95
Florida	$67.95
Georgia	$71.95
Hawaii	$70.42
Idaho	$63.95
Illinois	$74.95
Indiana	$64.95
Iowa	$60.95
Kansas	$57.95
Kentucky	$61.95
Lousiana	$64.95
Maine	$70.42
Maryland	$82.95
Massachusetts	$82.95
Michigan	$67.95
Minnesota	$76.95
Mississippi	$61.95
Missouri	$67.95
Montana	$64.95
Nebraska	$60.95
Nevada	$74.95
New Hampshire	$76.95
New Jersey	$74.95
New Mexico	$64.95
New York	$91.95
North Carolina	$69.95
North Dakota	$70.42
Ohio	$67.95
Oklahoma	$61.95
Oregon	$76.95
Pennsylvania	$67.95
Rhode Island	$73.95
South Carolina	$64.95
South Dakota	$70.42
Tennessee	$61.95
Texas	$67.95
Utah	$66.95
Vermont	$70.42
Virginia	$69.95
Washington	$82.95
West Virginia	$70.42
Wisconsin	$69.95
Wyoming	$70.42

How much is a vet visit for a routine check-up?

Just like humans, pets should get annual vet check-ups with a doctor you trust. These visits keep your pet safe and help alert you, early, if something is wrong with your cat or dog.
 
A basic vet visit will likely run anywhere from $60 to $80.

How much does a dog physical exam cost?

Beyond a routine check-up for your dog there is a more thorough nose-to-tail exam, more in line with a human’s “physical”. In this exam, your vet will take notes on the condition of your dog’s fur, skin, eyes, ears, mouth, joints, and other body systems. Your vet might also to take a routine fecal and/or blood test to check if everything is running smoothly.

This more thorough exam could bump the cost of your visit to anywhere from $100 to $300—plus the cost of tests.

How much does a cat physical exam cost?

Similar physical exams for your cat could range from $90-$200. And any additional testing and exams will add to that price.

By the way, our Preventative and Preventative+ packages can help cover your pet’s annual wellness exam, plus vaccinations, and a whole battery of tests.

Heartworm testing

Most vets recommend an annual heartworm test. It checks for parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites. If you live in a mosquito-rich area, this heartworm testing is a must. When heartworm disease goes untreated, it can result in severe organ damage and heart failure. For around $50, your vet will draw your pet’s blood and send it off to a lab.

FYI, your pet’s annual heartworm test is covered by Lemonade’s Preventative care packages.

Ear care

Ear infections are annoyingly common in both cats and dogs. A proper vet exam can figure out what’s causing the problem—it might be bacteria, yeast, or mites, none of which are too pleasant to think about—after which your doc can suggest a proper treatment.

Sometimes, an ear infection can be a sign of a different problem. If your cat or dog is scratching their ear, or if you spot symptoms like swelling, redness, a bad smell, or discharge… it’s time for an ear exam.

The exam plus medication would likely lead to a bill of $120 to $150, provided there’s not a more serious, underlying health issue causing the infection.

Flea control

Medication to prevent fleas costs around $10 to $15 per month. It’s worth keeping on top of. If your pet brings fleas home, costs could start piling up. You might need flea removal shampoo, flea-killing sprays, or a professional pest service to deal with an infestation in your home. Fleas, after all, don’t just bite your pets—they’ll gladly go after the humans that live with them. Yuck.

Fecal exams

None of us want internal parasites crawling in our pet’s intestines. Luckily, you can quickly catch these microscopic critters with a relatively affordable exam. Lab tests can cost $25 to $50. Your vet may recommend a fecal exam to be given annually, or as needed. This is another case where early action will save you cash… If your vet discovers parasites at a later stage, treatment could cost $400 to $1,000.

Some vets ask for a fecal swab, and others suggest a full sample of stool—but hey, you’re probably used to getting up close and personal with your pet’s poop.

An annual fecal exam is covered by Lemonade’s optional Preventative package. 

Dental care

Dogs and cats might not need Invisalign or veneers, but their dental bills can still add up quickly. And pet dental care isn’t just about a pleasing smile; it’s about maintaining your furry friend’s overall health.

For most dogs, dental cleaning requires anesthesia and can last over an hour. If your pet is young and healthy, a regular cleaning will be on the lower end of $500 to $1,000. That’s not a typo. For an older dog with oral health issues, the cost could actually be over $1,000.

While dental cleaning for cats are more modest—sometimes as low as $200—certain feline teeth can require extra attention, bumping the cost of vet bills. It wouldn’t be unheard of to spend $1,000 on your cat’s dental care.

Luckily, Lemonade pet insurance can help take the bite out of dental vet bills. The Preventative+ package offered by Lemonade covers a range of veterinary services including a routine dental cleaning.

Meanwhile, you can help your cat or dog’s oral hygiene by brushing their teeth—yes, really—or giving them treats, like Greenie’s, that are good for their chompers.

Allergy testing

When we think about cat or dog allergies, we generally think of humans who are allergic to their animal companions. But your pets can have allergies, too! Sneezing, coughing, licking, and itching are all signs of allergies.

Most vets agree that skin tests give the most accurate results. This test can range from $195 to $250. If you prefer a blood test, the price can vary from $200 to $300.

Spaying and neutering

These procedures have more benefits than you might think. Spaying and neutering your pet obviously prevents unwanted puppy and kitten litters, but also protects your pets from serious health and temperament issues.

Prices vary greatly depending on breed, age, size, health status, and location. At low-cost vet clinics, you might be charged $50 to $100 for dogs and $50 to $200 for cats. Standard clinics can range from $200 to $400 for dogs and $50 to $200 for cats. (Due to the complexity of the procedure, spaying female cats and dogs is generally more expensive than neutering male pets.)

Of course, like with many procedures, there’s a high end. For dogs, going all out could run as high as $2,000. “The gold standard includes IV catheter, IV fluids, pre-anesthesia blood work, licensed nurses monitoring your pet, pain medication and additional therapy for aftercare,” Dr. Liff explains.

If your pet is under 2 years old, you can get Lemonade’s Puppy/Kitten Preventative package, tailored for kittens and puppies. This covers spaying or neutering, microchipping, and up to six of their first vaccinations, all to help set your sweet baby up for life. 

But that’s not to say you’re doing your a pet a disservice by choosing an option that fits your personal budget! If you don’t mind adding your name to a waitlist, many shelters offer free services.

Geriatric tests

As our cats and dogs age, they get wiser—but they also run more of a risk of health problems. Starting from the age of 7 or so, your pet can receive a geriatric screening to check for early signs of age-related diseases. The exam involves urine analysis, bloodwork, and x-rays. Average costs range from $85 to $110.

Vaccinations

This is a big topic that’s really worth its own article—and conveniently, we have one for you! But you can find the TL;DR version below, covering the basics for both dogs and cats in two snazzy charts.

Dog vaccination cheatsheet

Vaccine	Does my dog need this?	Cost
DAPP or DHPP	All dogs should get this one at least every 2 years. We recommend it annually for social dogs.	$25 to $50/dose
Rabies	Yup. Your dog will appreciate this one. Get the booster annually if your dog is outdoors often, or every 3 years if your dog mostly stays inside.	$15 to $50/dose
Bordetella	Yes, if you plan on boarding your pup or registering them for training classes. This booster is given every 6 months. For less social dogs, we recommend annually.	$19 to $50/dose
Leptospirosis	If your dog is always outside or close to wildlife, yes. Get this vaccine annually.	$30 to $50/dose
Lyme disease	This one’s given annual for dogs in areas with a high risk for tick bites.	$30 to $50/dose
Influenza	If your dog is hanging at the dog park or playing at doggy daycare, this one’s a must. Get this shot annually.	$30 to $50/dose

Cat vaccination cheatsheet

Vaccine	Schedule	Cost
Rabies	1 initial dose for kittens, then an annual booster (outdoor cats) or a shot every 3 years (indoor cats)	$25 to $50/dose
FVRCP	3 initial doses for kittens, then an annual booster (outdoor cats) or a shot every 3 years (indoor cats)	$25 to $50/dose
Feline Leukemia	2 doses for kittens, followed by an annual booster ( outdoor cats) or a shot every 2 years (indoor cats) based on AAFP recommendations	$25 to $50/dose

Diagnostic testing

It can be hard to predict exact costs for diagnostic tests, as they vary from vet to vet. But here are some basic ranges to keep in mind. (You can always ask your own vet for some price quotes in advance, to get an idea of where on this spectrum they might fall.)

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

Emergency visits

Unsurprisingly, emergency visits for your pet tend to be more expensive than routine vet care. And it’s good to have an idea of what costs you might incur, since thinking about $ is the last thing you’ll want to do if your pet is injured or in need of immediate care. Here are some basic ranges to consider.

ER exam	$75 to $200
Diagnostic testing (varies greatly)	$200 to $4,000
Overnight hospitalization	$600 to $1,700/night (!!)
Multiple-night hospitalization	$1,500 to $3,500

Keep in mind, not every cough, barf, or funky poo is cause to rush to the the animal ER.

Check this out to determine on which symptoms warrant a visit to the emergency vet.

Common illnesses for dogs and cats  

The cost of illnesses your furry friend may face can vary greatly from vet to vet. While it’s always best to discuss the course and cost of treatment with your vet, below is a general price range of some common conditions. 

Common dog illnesses 

Condition	Average annual cost to treat
Arthritis	$200 to $2,700
Dental disease	$300 to $2,000
Ear infections	$100 to $300
Allergies	$200 to $1,000
Heart murmur	$500 to $2,000
Addison’s disease	$600 to $2,400
Cancer	$10,000 to $30,000
Cruciate ligament illness	$3,000 to $8,000
IVDD	$3,000 to $8,000
Cherry eye	$500 to $2,500
Diabetes	Up to $2,500
Hypothyroidism	$50 to $100
Lipomas	$200 to $1,000

Common cat illnesses

Condition	Average annual cost to treat
Chronic kidney disease	$500 to $2,000
Diabetes	$500 to $3,000
Uveitis	$300 to $1,000
Hyperthyroidism	$200 to $1,000
Asthma	$100 to $800
Cancer	$10,000 to $30,000
Dental disease	$300 to $2,000
Feline immunodeficiency virus	$150 to $2,000
Feline leukemia virus	$150 to $600
Ringworm	$50 to $100

Why pet insurance is worth it

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of these veterinary care costs, we understand! Keeping your fur fam healthy can be expensive. We never want the fear of maxing out your credit card to be the reason you dread a vet visit.

Check out how much pet parents of dogs and cats have saved on vet bills by signing their fur baby up for pet insurance.

Pet health insurance can be an economical way to recoup many expenses you might encounter at the vet. For instance, adding our Preventative Care package or Preventative+ package to your Lemonade Pet policy will help cover costs for things like annual heartworm tests, certain vaccinations, and more. And your base policy itself will be useful in the case of accidents and illnesses, including big ticket treatments that you might otherwise not be able to afford.

It’s always a good idea to get your cat or dog signed up early, before they develop any pre-existing conditions! Click below to get started—it only takes a few minutes.

Which states currently offer pet health insurance?

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. (not a state… yet), and Wisconsin.

FAQs

*The average costs of veterinary visits were sourced from Banfield’s Price Estimator. For states where no cost information was available, the average price was substituted with the average of all states combined.

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.