How much does a vet visit cost?
Based on prices that clinics publish on their own websites, here's what common veterinary services typically cost across the US (the middle half of listed prices):
- Routine exam / office visit: $60 to $85
- Rabies vaccine: $28 to $40
- Spay or neuter: $248 to $486
- Dental cleaning (under anesthesia): $409 to $474
- Microchip: $35 to $40
Most clinics don't publish prices, so these figures come from the ones that do, which tend to be low-cost clinics and newer practices. See the price report by state and city, or open your city page to compare local clinics.
What drives the cost up
- Emergency and after-hours care: exam fees of two to three times the regular rate, plus hospitalization.
- Anesthesia: dental cleanings and surgery include pre-anesthetic bloodwork, monitoring and recovery.
- Size: medications and anesthesia are dosed by weight, so large dogs cost more.
- Diagnostics: X-rays, ultrasound and lab panels are often the biggest line items.
- Location: big-city and coastal clinics charge more; see the state table on the price report.
Ways to pay less
- Use low-cost and nonprofit clinics for vaccines, spay/neuter and microchips.
- Ask for a written estimate and which items are optional.
- Consider a wellness plan if your pet needs regular care, and pet insurance before a problem appears.
- Ask about payment plans; many clinics offer CareCredit or Scratchpay. Clinics with payment plans (use the “Payment plans” filter on your city page).
- Keep up with preventive care: dental disease and parasites are far cheaper to prevent than treat.