How much does a vet visit cost?
Veterinary costs are the most unpredictable expense of dog ownership. Here's what routine care, emergencies, and common procedures actually cost, and how it varies by state.
Common procedure costs
National average costs. Your state may be 20–40% higher or lower. See the state table below.
| Procedure | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine wellness exam | $50 | $75 | $100 |
| Vaccinations (annual) | $75 | $150 | $250 |
| Dental cleaning | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Spay/neuter | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Emergency visit | $300 | $800 | $1,500 |
| X-rays | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| ACL/CCL surgery | $2,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Cancer treatment | $3,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 |
| Hip replacement | $4,000 | $7,000 | $12,000 |
Vet costs by state
Veterinary costs vary significantly by location. States are ranked from most expensive to least expensive based on our cost multiplier data.
Showing top 20 states. Use our calculator for state-specific estimates for your breed.
How to budget for vet costs
Routine care: Budget $500–$1,000/year for wellness exams, vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and heartworm testing. This is predictable and non-negotiable for responsible ownership.
Emergency fund or insurance: The average dog owner will face at least one emergency costing $1,500+ over their dog's lifetime. Either maintain a $3,000–$5,000 emergency fund or carry accident & illness insurance, ideally both for large/giant breeds.
Senior years: Expect vet costs to increase 30–50% after age 8. More frequent bloodwork, joint supplements, dental work, and age-related conditions all add up.
Get your free cost report
Enter your email and we'll send a personalized breakdown of costs.