How much does a vet visit cost?

Average cost of a vet visit

The average cost of a vet visit in 2024 was $214 for dogs and $138 for cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These costs are typically higher for dogs due to more frequent visits and additional care needs.

The AVMA shared U.S. pet ownership statistics in its 2024 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, reporting that 45.5% of households had dogs, while 32.1% had cats. Households with dogs spent an average of $580 a year on vet care, while those with cats spent about $433 annually. But what makes up these costs?

Most vet visits — around 80% — were for routine checkups or preventive care. Nearly 87% of dog owners had a regular veterinarian in 2024, and 74% visited a clinic that year. In comparison, only 57% of cat owners visited a clinic, though 77% had a regular vet. Many pet owners skipped vet visits entirely, believing their pet didn’t need a checkup. In 2024, nearly 23% of dog owners and 31% of cat owners reported skipping visits, an increase from 2023.

Veterinary care remains one of the biggest pet-related expenses, making up about one-third of the total cost of owning a pet.

Fortunately, pet insurance helps many pet owners cover veterinary costs by offering reimbursements for unexpected expenses due to accidents or illnesses. Many pet owners find the benefits far outweigh the cost of the insurance, especially during emergencies or expensive treatments. Some pet insurance providers even offer preventative care add-ons to policies to help cover the cost of routine vet care as well.

Examples of veterinary service costs

Access Veterinary Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides pricing details on its website for preventive care, surgical services and urgent care. The following tables outline the clinic’s pricing at the time of publication to give you an idea of how much services might cost.

Keep in mind that these prices are specific to this particular clinic and may not reflect costs in your area. Access Veterinary Care also notes that these are estimates and are subject to change.

Estimated cost of general veterinary services

Estimated cost of veterinary services for dogs

Estimated cost of veterinary services for cats

Factors affecting vet visit costs

The cost of a vet visit depends on several factors, including the type of care your pet needs, the clinic’s location and the resources required for treatment. Here are the main drivers of veterinary costs:

Operating expenses and overhead

• Veterinary clinics have significant fixed costs, such as rent, utilities and liability insurance.
• Clinics also need special equipment in order to diagnose and treat pets, like X-ray machines and lab tools.

Veterinary staff salaries and training

• Clinics must pay veterinarians, vet techs, receptionists and other team members. Wages vary based on location and clinic type.
• Staff also require ongoing training to stay updated on medical advancements, adding to operational costs.

Pet-specific factors

• A pet’s size, age and breed impact the cost of care.
• Larger pets may require more anesthesia during surgery, while senior pets often need additional testing.

Geographic location

• Clinics in urban or high-cost-of-living areas tend to charge more due to higher staffing costs, rent and other overhead expenses.

Services included in a vet visit

The services included in a vet visit depend on the reason for the appointment. Preventative care appointments for vaccines and testing are typically simpler and less expensive than visits for injuries or illnesses. However, here’s what you can generally expect:

Check-in and weigh

Upon arrival, the clinic staff will confirm your pet’s details. Small pets are usually weighed in the exam room, while larger pets are weighed on a step-on scale.

Initial assessment and vitals

A vet tech or assistant will meet with you and gather information about your pet’s health and the reason for the visit. They’ll also check vitals such as heart rate and temperature and may collect blood or fecal samples for testing.

Veterinary exam

The veterinarian will perform a thorough exam, checking your pet’s heart, lungs, eyes, ears and skin. For emergencies or illnesses, the vet may focus only on the issue at hand rather than administering a full exam.

Tests, treatments, and follow-up

Based on the exam, the vet might recommend additional tests, such as blood work or X-rays, or perform treatments like ear cleaning or nail trimming. Prescription medications may also be provided for you to administer at home.

Final steps

If your pet requires hospitalization, the vet will provide an estimate of costs and discuss advanced directives for life-saving care. After your pet is discharged, you’ll receive an itemized bill. If you have pet insurance, ask for a copy of the vet’s notes so you can include them with your claim.

How pet insurance can help

Pet insurance can help reduce the financial burden of vet visits by covering a portion of the costs, depending on your policy. Most pet insurance plans work on a reimbursement basis, meaning you pay the vet upfront and then submit a claim for a percentage of the cost. This can help you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses for treatments, especially during emergencies. Pet insurance can help cover various types of vet visits, including:

• Emergency care: Treatment for accidents or injuries.
• Illness treatment: Vet visits for illnesses like infections, arthritis or chronic conditions.
• Preventive care: Some plans offer wellness coverage for vaccinations, flea treatments and checkups.

Cost of vet visit with and without insurance

Without insurance, unexpected vet visits can result in high bills. For example, an emergency surgery can cost thousands of dollars. With pet insurance, the cost of that surgery could be significantly reduced by the reimbursement percentage specified in your plan, helping you manage the expense more easily.

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Is veterinary care worth the cost?

Vet visits may feel expensive, but they’re an essential investment in your pet’s health. Regular checkups allow vets to catch potential health issues early, reducing the need for costly emergency treatments later. Preventative care, such as vaccinations and parasite control, also lowers the risk of serious illnesses, keeping your pet healthier in the long run.

Beyond financial benefits, regular vet care helps ensure your pet lives a long, happy life. It strengthens the emotional bond you share by prioritizing their well-being and comfort. While the upfront costs of routine care can seem high, the long-term savings and peace of mind make it a worthwhile choice for pet owners.