How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost?

Great care isn't cheap. We'll take a look at an average vet bill.

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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’s pet health insurance is an affordable way to take the bite out of many expensive vet bills. If you’re curious and want to get a quick price quote for your own dog or cat, just click the pink button below!

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Meanwhile, 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.)

Here’s what we’ll be discussing in this article:

How much does a vet visit cost

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 $45 to $55.

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.

How much is a vet visit for dental care?

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.

Vet visit prices for dogs and cats Spaying and neutering.

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

VaccineDoes my dog need this?Cost
DAPP or DHPPAll dogs should get this one at least every 2 years. We recommend it annually for social dogs.$25–$50/dose
RabiesYup. 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–$50/dose
BordetellaYes, 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–$50/dose
LeptospirosisIf your dog is always outside or close to wildlife, yes. Get this vaccine annually.$30–$50/dose
Lyme diseaseThis one’s given annual for dogs in areas with a high risk for tick bites.$30–$50/dose
InfluenzaIf your dog is hanging at the dog park or playing at doggy daycare, this one’s a must. Get this shot annually.$30–$50/dose

Cat vaccination cheatsheet

VaccineScheduleCost
Rabies3 initial doses when they’re kittens, then an annual booster.$25–$50/dose
FVRCP2 initial doses for kittens, then an annual booster$25–$50/dose
Feline Leukemia1 initial dose for kittens, followed by an annual booster (for outdoor cats) or a shot every 1 to 2 years (indoor cats)$25–$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–$300
X-rays$75–$250 for basic, or up to $400 for more complex
Ultrasounds$300–$600
Urine tests$25–$100
MRI$1,500–$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–$200
Diagnostic testing (varies greatly)$200–$4,000
Overnight hospitalization$600–$1,700/night (!!)
Multiple-night hospitalization$1,500–$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.

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.

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?

where is Lemonade Pet Insurance Available in the United States

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.

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Please note: Lemonade articles and other editorial content are meant for educational purposes only, and should not be relied upon instead of professional legal, insurance or financial advice. The content of these educational articles does not alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. While we regularly review previously published content to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date, there may be instances in which legal conditions or policy details have changed since publication. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional. Hypothetical examples do not alter or bind Lemonade to any application of your insurance policy to the particular facts and circumstances of any actual claim.