Most veterinarians will tell you that you should begin budgeting for or preparing for pet healthcare costs before even getting a pet. You may not be aware of the costs associated with pet ownership, or you may have only factored food, toys, grooming, and pet sitters into your budget.
In fact, annual pet healthcare costs can range from $300-$1,000 for cats, and $500-$1500 for dogs. And this is just for routine costs like annual checkups and exams, vaccinations, and preventive care. The cost of a pet emergency can range from $150-$5,000. Here is a breakdown of the annual healthcare budget for a generally healthy pet between the ages of 2-6 so that you can use it as a jumping off point for creating your own.
Routine Care
Routine pet care includes annual veterinary visits that include a check-up and exam, preventive healthcare, and vaccinations. The costs of these services depend on the veterinarian you use, the age and overall health of your pet, and their size and breed. Here is a look at the average price ranges for routine veterinary care for a young, healthy pet:
Annual Veterinary Visits: $50–$250 – Much like a yearly checkup at your own doctor’s office, annual veterinary visits help monitor your pet’s overall health. These typically include a physical exam, wellness assessment, and preventive care such as vaccines. Please note that this cost generally does not include diagnostic testing (such as lab work or imaging), which may be recommended based on your pet’s condition.
Vaccinations: $20–$80 per vaccine – Pets need routine vaccinations to stay protected against diseases like rabies, parvo, and bordetella. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle or location, such as DHPP, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease.
Unexpected Costs and Emergencies
Unfortunately, your pet may need emergency care at some point. Emergency pet care includes services like triage and diagnostics, lab work, exams, x-rays, surgical services, medication administration, anesthesia services, and more. Because of the wide range of services provided, these costs can vary dramatically depending on your pet’s circumstances and needs. The general costs of emergency care services are:
- Emergency exams – $100-$250
- Diagnostics – $25-$600
- Treatment – $150-$2,500
- Surgical services – $1,500-$5,000
- Chronic disease treatment – $1,500-$5,000
- Dental care – $500-$2,000
Pet Insurance and Financial Assistance
A great way to prepare for the cost of pet healthcare is to begin budgeting and saving as early as possible. You can talk to your veterinarian and local vet emergency clinic to find out what their pricing is, or to get estimates for specific services. You can also sign up for pet health insurance. Pet health insurance requires you to pay a monthly premium in return for discounted veterinary services and/or full or partial reimbursement for some healthcare costs. Some pet insurance companies also offer a direct-to-vet payment system.
Call Your Local Veterinarian to Learn More
To learn more, call your local veterinarian and local veterinary emergency clinic. They can give you a cost sheet or tell you the average annual costs their patients incur. They may even be able to factor in your pet’s size and breed, age, and health history.
At Emerald City Emergency Clinic, we offer 24/7 emergency pet care in Seattle, WA. We are aware of the financial strains associated with the cost of emergency pet care, and we offer convenient financial options. We accept Scratchpay and CareCredit, both of which can make it easier for you to pay for emergency pet services. We also work with a handful of pet insurance companies that offer a direct-to-vet payment option. Call now if you have questions about the cost of pet care, or to let us know you’re coming in for a visit.
