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Average emergency vet costs: what to expect

Emergencies involving your pet are stressful; we’re here to break down the cost and when to seek care.

— Medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Schott

Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science → meet our team of experts

Updated April 9, 2024

What is an emergency vet?

• Emergency vet care costs

What’s considered a pet emergency?

How to pay for an emergency visit.

• Frequently Asked Questions

The essentials

• Emergencies can be costly, so it’s best to be prepared — Understanding the cost of common emergencies can help you set up or maintain a proper emergency fund for your pet.
• There are several ways to finance emergency care for your pet — These include pet insurance , setting up a savings account, or even financing through a company like Care Credit.
• If you’re not sure that your pet needs emergency care, consider telehealth first — Speak to a professional over the phone or online first. It can save you time and money when assessing your pet’s condition.

As a pet parent, you know that illnesses, accidents, and injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. Getting your pet the help and care they need is going to be your priority. But this can come with some hefty bills.

On average, an emergency exam costs $100-$200, and an overnight stay can cost $1,000-$2,000. And, this may or may not include diagnostic tests. To help make sure you’re as prepared as possible, we’ve put together some information to help you know what to expect and how to save for a rainy day proactively.

Emergency veterinarians specialize in treating acute or life-threatening injuries and illnesses in animals. These vets typically work within veterinary hospitals or emergency clinics but often consult with general practice veterinarians. 

In some locations, the general practice vet, when working after business hours or on holidays, qualifies as the emergency vet.

Traditionally, emergency veterinary care costs more.

• Advanced training and skills. These vets are trained in a variety of ways to be able to tackle any emergency that comes their way, from cancer and car accidents to poisonings. 
• Additional treatments and diagnostics. Many facilities have an intensive care unit (ICU) with oxygen cages and advanced medical equipment, including CT scans and MRIs, that may not be found in a traditional vet’s office.
• Location. The cost of caring for your pet can depend on where you bring them for care. Regardless, your pet should be cared for by board-certified veterinarians who specialize in different areas of veterinary medicine.
• Specialty. If your pet needs to see a specialist in an emergency, such as a cardiologist or oncologist, the cost of care will be greater than if they were seeing a general practice emergency vet.
• Working off hours. These vets and their staff sometimes work nights and holidays. As such, they tend to be paid more than those who work during normal business hours. Plus, operating a facility 24/7 costs more.

The cost of an emergency vet versus a regular vet

The cost of an emergency vet visit varies due to several factors, like location, animal species, breed, size, and the emergency. 

So,  how much is an emergency vet visit? Let’s break down the general cost of treatment.

• Blood work: $80-$250
• Exam: $100-$200
• Standard imaging: $150-$600
• Pain medicine: $40-$80
• Hospitalization: $800-$2,500
• IV fluids: $60-$95
• Emergency surgery: $1,500-$5,000+

We know how scary pet emergencies can be and the difficulty a pet owner may have in determining what constitutes an emergency and what can wait. It’s best to be cautious and seek professional medical help via a telehealth consultation or an emergency vet clinic visit. 

However, these are just a few of the signs that your pet should be taken to a vet immediately.

• Gastroenteritis . Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can present as vomiting, diarrhea, and low-grade fever. 
• Poisoning. There’s no one symptom you can use to diagnose poisoning in pets. Clinical signs tend to differ depending on the type of toxin, but it often triggers gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
• Seizures. These can present as whole-body tremors or partial seizures that may only affect one part of the body or present as a sudden onset of rhythmic movements (tremors) or actions.
• Eye injury. Pus, excessive discharge, cloudiness, bleeding, and excessive eye rubbing can all be signs of an eye issue. 
• Bite wounds/animal attacks. If your pet gets into a scuffle with another pet or animal, seek treatment immediately. 
• Bloat of the belly . An enlarged belly can have several causes, including Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.
• Severe trauma. This can be classified as any major accident like a fall, a car accident, being hit, etc. 
• Trouble during birth. If your pregnant dog hasn’t given birth to a pup 2-3 hours after their water has broken, if they’re straining during birth, or if your dog has been in second-stage labor for over 12 hours, seek help . 
• Broken bones. X-rays will be needed to diagnose a fractured bone, but your pet will likely limp or refrain from putting weight on the affected area. 
• Hypothermia. This can occur because of extended exposure to cold environments and can present as shaking, lethargy, and lower body temperature. 
• Heatstroke . This occurs when your pets’ natural cooling mechanisms can’t keep them cool and, if left unattended, can cause permanent damage.
• Difficulty breathing. If your pet is experiencing labored breathing or gasping, seek care.

When your pet has an emergency, you will likely need to make a payment or a credit card deposit for them to receive care. The staff at the emergency room should be able to help you navigate your options, but here are some of the most common ways to pay for your pet’s treatment.

Invest in a pet insurance policy

Pet insurance is a growing category, and many mainstream insurance companies are starting to offer it. Like the health insurance you have, there are different plans, but you can expect to pay a monthly or annual premium as well as a deductible. 

The amount of your deductible and the reimbursement you’ll receive can vary between plans and the insurance company you choose. So, you may want to do some research before purchasing to ensure you understand what and how much the plan covers. 

It’s important to purchase pet insurance early on in pet ownership because any pre-existing condition may not be covered. Lemonade is a great option that caters to your needs.

Build an emergency fund

If you don’t want to pay the premiums associated with health insurance or your pup isn’t eligible to be covered for any reason, you may consider building an emergency fund and adding to it regularly. 

Emergencies (and even routine medical needs like dental cleanings) can be costly. Preparing for whatever life throws at you will prevent you from having to make big decisions based on the funds available.

Consider financing options, like Care Credit

  Care Credit is a financing option that will allow you to pay off the balance from your pet’s care over time. This way, the vet’s office will have the funds needed to cover your pet’s emergency care and you won’t be facing a huge mountain of debt all at once. 

However, you must qualify for Care Credit based on your credit score. If you qualify, you will be approved for a certain amount of money which you will need to pay off in a certain time to avoid a high interest rate.

Work out a payment plan

Some veterinary practices may allow you to pay a deposit for your pet’s emergency care, and then pay the remaining balance over time. This is becoming less common as many veterinary offices face clients who skip out on payments. If you don’t pay your bill, then the veterinary hospital will likely send you to collections.

No matter how conscientious you are as a pet owner, emergency vet visits can happen so it’s best to be as prepared as you can. Having a plan in place will help you to feel calm and in control while your pet is getting the best medical care possible. Remember that the medical staff is doing the best they can to help your pet be kind and patient with them.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get a dog’s stomach pumped.

If your dog has consumed a toxin, poison, or item that they’re allergic to, vets will try to induce vomiting to get the substance out of their system. If that doesn’t work, and all options are exhausted, a gastric lavage may be the best way to help them. 

These procedures require traditional routine diagnostics, blood work, x-rays, and more,  as well as the anesthetic and oxygen therapy used during the procedure. While the exact cost for you will depend on several factors, you can expect to pay $1,500-2,500. 

How much does a vet visit cost near me?

Veterinary costs will vary depending on your location and the number of vet practices in the area. Plus, your pet’s size, breed, and health needs will also play into the final cost you owe. 

How much does it cost for a dog to get stitches?

The type of stitch that your dog receives will ultimately determine the cost. Traditional sutures and dissolving sutures tend to be of similar cost, whereas staples may cost less. However, you must also pay for an exam fee, anesthetic, the procedure and bandage material, and any follow-ups. In total, this could be anywhere from $800-1,000+. 

How often should a dog go to the vet?

This all depends on your dog’s age and health! Puppies need to see the vet once a month until they are 4-5 months old. Adult dogs (1-7 years) usually only need to go once for annual visits (depending on your pet’s overall health), and senior dogs (8+ years) should be seen twice a year.

Is it cheaper to go to an emergency vet than a regular vet for a sick pet?

More often than not, emergency vet visits may cost more simply due to the urgency of the situation that brings you there. While the cost can be slightly higher, the important thing is getting your dog care as soon as you can. Emergency facilities are there exactly for that reason.

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Here’s the true cost of emergency vet visits & why—according to experts.

by Heather Barnett , Kristine Solomon

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How Much Do Emergency Vet Visits Cost?

If your pet has an emergency, “You are basically going to the ER,” says Stone, and just like in the human world, ER visits will cost you. Average prices start at about $40 for a urine test or pain meds and escalate to about $5,000 for emergency surgery, according to Preventive Vet. Some other common treatments include:

• IV: up to $95
• Blood tests: up to $200
• X-rays: up to $250
• Ultrasound: Up to $600
• Wound treatment: up to $2,500
• Oxygen therapy: Up to $3,000
• Hospitalization: up to $3,500
• Intestinal obstruction with surgery: $4,000 or more
• Pancreatitis: $5,000 or more
• Eating poison like chocolate or raisins: $5,000 or more
• Antifreeze poisoning: $6,000 or more
• Hit by a car: $8,000 or more
• Dog bite wounds: $10,000 or more

Why Are Emergency Vet Visits So Costly? Experts Break It Down

“Emergency visits are costly because it typically means that the situation is no longer about small or routine treatments that can be more easily addressed. Instead, they often require complex and multi-pronged diagnostics and treatment approaches which may include blood tests, X-rays, exams, prescriptions, overnight hospital stays, IV fluids or medication, surgery and specialist treatments,” says Lynch.

“A specialty animal hospital is no different than the ER,” adds Stone. “So in terms of the diagnostics, whether it’s X-rays, MRI scans, whether it’s blood tests, surgery…you’ve got teams of people around the clock that are watching over your pet.” Stone emphasizes that emergency veterinary training is just as rigorous as training for human emergencies. And since pets can’t vocalize how they feel or how many pain they’re in, monitoring them requires even more vigilance. Supplies and machinery in veterinary emergency rooms can be more expensive than those in regular vet facilities, too.

Emergency vet costs can vary, according to Betterpet , based on:

Different states charge different fees for veterinary care. The actual facility you choose will factor in too. “You can have the same surgery done in the midwest for $3,000 to $4,000, let’s say for example, TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery…can typically cost you three or $4,000 in the Midwest. But in California [or New York] that can be $9,000, simply because the cost of buildings, staff, and education — the cost of everything is just more expensive in those states,” says Stone.

Your dog’s breed will determine what kinds of illnesses they’re susceptible to, like hip dysplasia and eye infections, which can also affect prices.

The severity of the emergency

Things like emergency surgery and cardiac conditions often cost thousands.

Specialities

If your pet develops cancer, for instance, they’ll need to see an oncologist. Cancer treatments can be among the most costly.

Why Having Pet Insurance Helps With Emergency Vet Visits

“We live in a country where almost six out of 10 people have less than $500 in savings,” notes Stone, according to some statistics . Other studies have that average hovering around $1,200. Either way, it’s not getting you very far in the event of an emergency: it would only cover a two-day hospital stay on the low end of the cost spectrum. “People just don’t have the money to keep their pets healthy. That’s why pet insurance is growing massively. In the last few years, people are finally realizing, ‘Hey, pet insurance is a really good thing because it protects my pet against the worst,'” says Stone.

“Pet insurance helps the pet owner say ‘yes’ to comprehensive care and treatments. When this happens, you want to be able to be there for your pet, deal with the complex emotions of being a caring pet parent, and ideally not worry about whether you can afford to provide the care they need and the situation demands,” adds Lynch. But pet insurance is all about the type and level of coverage you have. “Policies offer a wide range of coverage options to suit the needs of the pet owner, their financial situation, and the breed and age of their pet.”

Choosing pet insurance to protect your pet in the event of a medical emergency comes down how much annual coverage you want, how much you want to spend in monthly premiums, how much you’d rather pay toward a deductible versus a copay, the age and general health of your pet and, of course, what accidents and illnesses are covered by the policy. Some pet insurers offer accident and illness plans only, while others give the option of adding preventive care, too.

Lemonade Pet Insurance

Lemonade is an example of a pet insurance that has you covered in the event of a range of emergencies. In fact, accidents and illnesses are covered in their base plan. You can select an annual coverage limit between $5,000 and $100,000. You’ll pay a higher premium for higher payouts, but this can benefit you in the event of an emergency. Choosing a higher copay and lower deductible could also benefit you in this regard. A Lemonade policy will cover diagnostics and treatments with reimbursement rates of 70%, 80% or 90% depending on the plan. You can add emergency room visits to the plan for an additional $5 a month. For another $13 a month, you can include dental emergencies (and checkups). An add-on of $3.50 a month will give you prescription medication coverage.

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How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Here's Everything You Need To Know

When you’re ready to adopt a pet, you may not always be thinking about their future veterinary costs. But it’s important to consider vet fees when working out your budget for caring for your pet over the next several years.

Not only will your pet need food, grooming, toys, and other supplies, but they’ll need to go to the vet at least once per year. You may also need to pay for emergency services if your pet gets hurt or sick, and those can add additional strain to your budget.

But how much does it cost to go to the vet ? Unfortunately, the answer is: “it depends.” While most regular vet services can cost $100 or less, some procedures and treatments can cost thousands.

As a pet rescue and foster who works with a pet rescue nonprofit in Brooklyn, I've seen my fair share of veterinary bills - ranging from low-cost "mom-and-pop" practices to higher-end practices with state-of-the-art diagnostics and surgeons.

Here, I’ll break down what you can expect when taking your pet to the vet:

• The basic costs involved in a vet visit
• Standard veterinary expenses
• How pet type can influence the costs of a vet visit
• How breed can influence vet costs
• What to expect from a visit to the vet
• Potential fees associated with emergency vet visits
• How to cover veterinary costs without depleting your savings
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Basic Cost of a Vet Visit

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the price of veterinary services has been rising steadily since the turn of the millennium. In 2016, the Veterinary Services Price Index was outpacing the Consumer Price Index by more than 25 percentage points .

Pet ownership is increasing, and the costs of veterinary care are also on the rise.

Veterinary care is in much higher demand than it ever was, in part because pet owners are treating their pets differently. In one study, 95% of pet parents consider their pets a part of their family. People are spending more on their pets, and they’re more willing to bring them to the vet for regular checkups.

A Breakdown of Standard Veterinary Expenses

Vet expenses vary widely depending on what services your veterinarian is providing. Veterinary practices charge for services like physical exams, diagnostic services, lab work, surgical procedures, anesthesia, hospitalization, and even overnight boarding.

Many of these services can be covered by pet insurance , which would reimburse a percentage of your out of pocket expenditures after you pay your vet.

An appointment for surgery will cost much more than a wellness visit, and regular treatments, such as those for cancer, can add up to a considerable sum over time. Here are some of the most common veterinary services and how much they typically cost.

Tests, Examinations, and Initial Vet Costs:

• Routine checkups: $50 to $250
• Spay/neuter: $160 to $220
• Vaccines per shot: $15 to $28
• Physical exams: $45 to $55
• Fecal exam: $25 to $45
• Heartworm test: $45 to $50
• Dental cleaning : $70 to $400
• Allergy testing: $195 to $300
• Geriatric screening: $85 to $110

Surgeries and Unexpected Vet Costs*:

• Bloodwork: $80 to $200
• X-rays : $150 to $250
• Ultrasounds: $300 to $600
• Short hospitalizations: $600 to $1,700
• Long hospitalizations: $1,500 to $3,500
• Wound treatment: $800 to $2,500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $5000
• Oxygen therapy: $500 to $3000

(*Based on estimates by Emergency Vets USA )

Again, these prices may vary depending on where you live, what type of animal you have, what breed you have, and their health history. Even a routine exam fee can vary state-by-state. According to the ASPCA , recurring medical expenses for a dog can range from $210 to $260 depending on their size.

The good news is that you can lower the costs of these services significantly with pet insurance . For example, if you have a pet insurance plan that reimburses you for 90% of covered costs, that $5,000 emergency surgery could end up costing you just $500 out of pocket.

Pet insurance lowers out-of-pocket vet costs.

Plans can reimburse 60-100% of eligible expenses.

Average Vet Costs for the First Year of Owning a Dog or Cat

The APSCA estimates that the first year of owning a dog can cost as much as $2,000 or more , depending on the size of the animal. Meanwhile, the cost of owning a cat can cost up to $1,174 on average.

However, these costs are assuming you’ll only need to bring your pet in for regular visits and won’t have any unexpected charges on your vet bill. If a regular visit costs about $250 and you bring a new dog to the vet only once, the rest of your spending can go to supplies like food, toys, and treats.

If your pet needs some of the unexpected services listed above because they develop an illness or need additional tests, you could end up paying substantially more out of pocket if you don’t have pet insurance.

How Pet Type Can Influence the Costs of a Vet Visit

It’s difficult to nail down the costs of vet care because veterinary medicine differs depending on the type of pet you own. Caring for a smaller animal like a cat or rabbit is generally much less expensive than caring for a large or medium-sized dog — or a horse, for that matter.

Today’s pets are also living longer than ever thanks to advances in medical care and better pet diets. If you have an older pet , you can expect to have higher veterinary costs because pets tend to need more care as they age. Older pets should get regular veterinary examinations so your vet can check for problems.

AVMA notes that “while it’s easy to spot the outward signs of aging such as graying haircoat and slower pace, it’s important to remember a pet’s organ systems are also changing. An older pet is more likely to develop diseases such as heart, kidney and liver disease, cancer, or arthritis. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats have a somewhat lower rate.”

Other factors that can influence veterinary costs are your pet’s weight, health history, and temperament . For example, if your dog is overly aggressive when you bring them to the vet, you may need to give them medication to keep them calm and muzzle them. In some cases, the vet may need to sedate your pet so they can examine them, which can add to your costs.

How Breed Affects Veterinary Costs

The breed of your pet also impacts veterinary costs. When discussing breed, we’re generally discussing dogs.

There are over 190 recognized dog breeds in the United States and only 42 cat breeds. This is partially due to the history of dog breeding and how dogs were used as herders, hunters, and other types of working animals in the past. Still, some cat breeds do have fewer health issues than others.

Many pet insurance plans cover breed-specific issues. If you have a pet breed that tends to have certain conditions, investing in pet insurance could help significantly if those conditions arise.

Some common breed-specific conditions include the following:

• Bladder stones
• Brachiocephalic syndrome (due to narrow nasal passage)
• Ear infections
• Hip dysplasia
• Knee and elbow dislocations
• Slipped discs

If you’re unsure about your pet’s breed-specific conditions, ask your veterinarian about what you can expect.

What to Expect From a Visit to the Vet

A typical visit to the veterinarian can cost as little as $50 depending on the pet being examined and their needs. But, as we mentioned before, those costs can go up if your pet has an unexpected illness or if they need other types of routine care.

Your First Visit

On your pet’s first visit, your veterinarian will conduct a general health screening and wellness exam. They’ll enter your pet’s information into their records. You can expect them to do the following:

• Weigh your pet
• Listen to their heart and lungs
• Take their temperature
• Check their ears, eyes, and genitalia
• Examine their teeth and mouth
• Examine their feces (you may need to bring a sample)
• Give your pet vaccinations (if necessary)
• Test for common diseases (if necessary)
• Determine your pet’s vaccination schedule

The Wellness Exam

Similar to an initial health screening, a wellness exam determines the overall health of your pet. Your regular veterinarian will do a physical examination of your pet, but they’ll also ask you questions about your pet’s behavior, diet, and lifestyle patterns.

A basic vet visit might cost $50, but expenses quickly add up with illnesses and injuries.

For example, it’s normal for dogs to curl up and sleep throughout the day, but if your dog is acting particularly lethargic, this could be a symptom of an underlying condition. Your vet would need to know about this behavior.

Similarly, even the healthiest cats will vomit from time to time . But if they are vomiting often — more than once or twice per week — it could indicate a health condition. This is why it’s important to be completely open about your pet’s behavior with your vet .

Once your veterinarian has assessed the wellness of your pet, they’ll discuss preventative steps you can take to avoid problems. They may recommend you use preventive treatments for fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworm. They’ll go over your pet’s nutrition needs, weight management, what pet food you should use, dental care, and more.

Scheduling Routine Check-Ups

Most veterinarians recommend you bring your pet to them at least once per year, but preferably more. Unfortunately, some pet parents bring their pets to the vet less often.

According to a study by the AVMA , about 8% of pet parents don’t bring their pets in for routine checkups once per year. Still, 51% bring them in once per year and the remaining 41% bring them even more often.

Over 50% of pet owners took their pet to the vet for a routine checkup at least one time in the previous year.

A routine check-up will typically involve a physical examination, a wellness check, and vaccine booster shots, if necessary. If you want to be reimbursed for this kind of routine care, you'll need a wellness plan .

Unexpected Veterinary Costs

If your veterinarian discovers anything out of the ordinary during your pet’s first visit or a subsequent wellness exam, they may wish to do additional tests to determine what’s wrong with your pet.

Generally, veterinarians will only do additional testing if they need to narrow down the possibilities of your pet’s condition to make an accurate diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to ask about the costs of testing beforehand . Once your veterinarian is confident in their diagnosis, they’ll discuss plans for treatment with you.

If your pet is sick or injured, you’ll have to pay some unexpected veterinary costs. This is where pet insurance is essential . Depending on the severity of your pet’s condition, you could have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to treat your pet.

If your pet needs life-saving care, they may be admitted to an animal hospital overnight. You’ll need to pay for the boarding of your pet, for any tests conducted to determine what’s wrong, as well as for treatment to make your pet better.

Pet insurance coverage means you only have to pay for a fraction of what you’d normally owe in vet bills.

Health Issues & Vet Costs to be Aware of

• Dog Teeth Cleaning
• Kennel Cough
• Heartworm Disease
• Lyme Disease
• Leptospirosis
• Dog X-Ray Costs

Potential Fees Associated with Emergency Vet Visits

An emergency visit occurs when your pet needs immediate or life-saving care and they can’t wait until regular business hours for an appointment. Thankfully, many veterinary clinics and animal hospitals provide out-of-hours veterinary care for emergencies. If you’re a new pet owner, you should identify your nearest emergency clinic just in case.

If your pet has an emergency, contact your veterinary emergency services provider immediately and speak to the person on-duty. They’ll give you advice over the phone, or they’ll suggest you bring your pet in for treatment.

After your pet is examined, the emergency care vet will discuss whether they need to do additional tests or whether you can move on to treatment. It’s at this point that your costs will begin to go up.

Emergency veterinary fees are typically higher than fees associated with regular care. According to Preventive Vet , a typical emergency visit may involve the following fees:

• ER exam: $75 - $125
• IV catheter: $60 - $75
• IV fluids : $50 - $75
• Blood tests (basic): $75 - $150
• Urine tests (basic): $25 - $50
• X-rays (basic): $75 - $250
• Blood pressure measurement: $25 - $75
• Pain medication: $40 - $80
• Hospitalization / Vet Tech Monitoring: $50 - $200

TOTAL: $475 - $1,080

This is not including any additional costs for treatment, which is dependent on your pet’s condition. This is why the costs of emergency veterinary care vary so much. It’s also the reason financing options and pet insurance are so important during emergencies.

How To Cover Veterinary Costs Without Depleting Your Savings

Clearly, comparing pet insurance options is a must. With a comprehensive pet insurance plan, you won’t have to worry about choosing between your pet’s emergency care and breaking your bank. Good coverage ensures you can get them the care they need right when they need it and gain peace of mind in knowing your prepared for an emergency ( even for rescue pets ).

However, pet health insurance works differently than human health insurance . Most pet insurance providers pay you, the policy holder, instead of the practice or doctor. That means you don't have to worry about find a veterinarian who's "in-network", you can go to any vet you please and get reimbursed just the same - but that also means that you will generally have to pay the cost upfront while you wait for your reimbursement.

Ideally, you should pay for the upfront vet cost on a credit card with a good rewards incentive. For example, if your credit card offer 3% cash back on purchases, by using that card to pay the initial bill you'll be effectively reducing the cost by 3%. Then, in just a few days your pet insurance provider will reimburse you for the bill and you can pay off that credit charge with the reimbursement.

For example, let's pretend you have a policy with 90% reimbursement and a $250 deductible...

Your vet bill is $1237, you put it on your credit card which give 3% cash back. Your plan reimbursed you for 90% of the cost after the deductible is met. In this case, let's say it's the first vet cost of the year so your $250 deductible is not yet met. Eight days after paying your vet bill your pet insurance provider reimburses you $888.30 (or ($1237 - $250)*0.9).

Your total cost would then be: $1237 - $888.30 - (3% back on $1237) = $311.59

That's a massive savings. And, if another issue arises your deductible is already paid for that year so you'll simply be reimbursed 90% (or what ever your policy indicates) on your next bill.

For example, vet bill #1 cost $1237 but it only cost you $311, then vet bill #2 comes in for $600 but it only costs you $42! Since your deductible was paid for in vet bill #1, you'll be reimbursed 90% of the full vet bill #2 plus 3% back on the initial bill (if you used a credit card with that reward rate)... $600 - 90% (or $540) - 3% (or $18) = $42.

This way, your bank account goes untouched and your savings are maximized.

Just make sure you get the right pet insurance policy at the best price, no matter the provider .

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.css-3sl4ml{color:#E26C33;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-3sl4ml:hover{color:#E26C33;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;} Edwin Plotts .css-aqd080{font-size:16px;font-weight:bold;}@media screen and (min-width: 992px){.css-aqd080{font-size:21px;}} Director of Marketing & Foster/Rescue Parent - Pawlicy Advisor

Edwin Plotts rescues and rehomes cats in Savannah, GA - while leading Pawlicy Advisor 's brand growth. He's a pet parent of two rescued sibling cats: Greyson and Babs. He's also an avid volunteer with Flatbush Cats and The Toby Project.

More on Veterinary Costs

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How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

• Emergency veterinary visits can cost $300 to $10,000 or more for dogs, based on research by the  MarketWatch  Guides team.
• For cats, the cost of an emergency vet ranges from $300 to $8,000 or more.
• Pet insurance can help pet parents cover emergency veterinary visit costs.

Certified Veterinary Technician

Elizabeth Kowalski holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. After more than 10 years working as a certified veterinary technician, she chose to pursue veterinary writing, combining years of practical knowledge with a talent and passion for the written word. She has been featured in industry publications such as Today’s Veterinary Business . Elizabeth enjoys creating content for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and spends her free time playing sand volleyball and lounging at home with her pitbull, Piglet, and husband, Brenton.

Anna Douglas is a journalist and editor with over a decade of experience in newspapers and digital publishing.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Angela Beal, DVM, loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Angela has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Since 2020, she has worked full-time with Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific writing and editing company. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best pet insurance companies

Common Emergency Vet Costs

Veterinary emergencies involve health conditions that are immediately life-threatening, painful or could cause your pet’s health to decline without prompt care. Once you identify or suspect an emergency, acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

Most true emergencies require care in a specialized facility, especially if your pet needs attention when your regular vet’s office is closed. It’s likely your pet will require emergency care at some point in its life and you can prepare by understanding what constitutes an emergency and how much these visits typically cost. Understanding costs and payment options can also help you make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

Common emergency situations that require immediate veterinary attention include:

• Lacerations
• Broken bones
• Car accidents
• Falls or collapse
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to urinate
• Toxin ingestion
• Severe pain

If these or any other serious conditions occur, delaying treatment could cause your pet to worsen or pass away. Seeking emergency veterinary care is critical to your pet’s health. If you are unsure about your pet’s condition, contact your nearest 24-hour facility or a pet telehealth and triage service for advice.

Familiarizing yourself with possible costs can help you navigate pet emergencies. Here is an example of how emergency services can add up to a large vet bill:

Your cat presents to the emergency clinic because it is having difficulty urinating. After an exam and X-rays, the veterinary team determines its urethra is blocked. The team performs the following services:

• Physical exam: $150
• X-rays : $150
• Blood testing: $200
• Urine test: $50
• Intravenous (IV) catheter and fluids: $150
• Medications: $200
• Sedated urinary catheterization: $500
• Three-day hospitalization: $1,000
• Follow-up visit: $100
• Total bill: $2,500

How Much Is an Emergency Vet Visit for a Dog?

The cost of emergency vet care for a dog depends on the nature of the injury or illness. Here is an outline of potential costs.

Source: Preventative Vet and CareCredit

How Much Is an Emergency Vet Visit for a Cat?

Emergency veterinary visits for cats cost about the same as for dogs. Cats are more likely to present to the emergency room with illnesses than injuries, so treatments and recommended tests may vary. Since most cats stay indoors, they are less likely than dogs to get injured. Foregoing wellness visits and preventive care, such as vaccines and parasite prevention, can also increase the likelihood of illness. 

Emergency Vet Services and Treatments

Not all situations or vet visits will require emergency services or treatments, which we describe in more detail below along with average costs. 

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests can help the veterinary team evaluate the seriousness of your pet’s condition. Emergency tests may include blood work, urinalysis, x-rays and ultrasounds.  

• Purpose: A test that assesses organ function, blood cell counts, blood clotting ability, hydration and presence of infection. 
• Cost: $80–$200
• Purpose: Check for urinary tract infection and assess kidney function
• Cost: $40–$70
• Purpose: An imaging test to evaluate bones, joints and internal organs in two dimensions.
• Cost: $150–$250
• Purpose: An imaging test that provides detailed, three-dimensional, real-time views of organs and other soft tissues. Ultrasounds also facilitate needle biopsy and urine collection.
• Cost: $300–$600

Stabilization and Treatment

Once they are armed with more information, the veterinary team can begin stabilizing and treating your pet’s condition. Possible treatments include:

IV Catheter and Fluids

• Purpose: Fluids provide hydration, correct electrolyte imbalances and combat shock.
• Cost: $120–$170

Medication Injection

• Purpose: Injectable medications administered in the emergency room can combat various conditions, including pain, nausea, seizures, toxins, allergic reactions and infections.
• Cost: $40–$80
• Purpose: Surgery can occur for many possible reasons, including removing a foreign object, repairing a fracture, correcting internal bleeding or removing a tumor.
• Cost: $1,500–$5,000

Sedated Procedure and Wound Treatment

• Purpose: This procedure allows veterinarians to perform services such as cleaning and repairing wounds, placing a urinary catheter, removing a broken toenail, placing a cast or taking a biopsy.
• Cost: $800–$2,500

Hospitalization and Monitoring

Some pets must stay overnight for monitoring, to recover from surgery or for intensive care. Services and costs associated with animal hospital stays may include:

Short Hospitalization

• Purpose: A hospitalization allows vets to provide pets with 24/7 care for one to two days. 
• Cost: $600–$1,700

Intensive Care or Long Hospitalization

• Purpose: With longer hospitalizations, vets can provide 24/7 care with intensive monitoring for three to five days.
• Cost: $1,500–$3,500

Oxygen Therapy

• Purpose: This type of therapy stabilizes pets with heart, lung or blood disorders that limit their oxygen intake.
• Cost: $500–$3,000

Emergency Vet Costs vs. Regular Vet Visits

Emergency veterinary visits typically cost more than a scheduled visit with your primary veterinarian for several reasons. 

• Staffing: Most emergency hospitals are open 24/7, including weekends, evenings and holidays when most other veterinary clinics are closed. It costs more to pay staff who work during off hours.
• Specialization: Emergency team members have special skills and knowledge to handle a wide range of emergencies and provide life-saving care. Some facilities also have board-certified critical care veterinarians and veterinary technician specialists, which elevates the overall level of care in the facility.
• Equipment: An emergency veterinary hospital supports critically ill pets by providing advanced equipment, such as long-term ventilators, defibrillators, oxygen cages, isolation wards and more.
• Condition severity: Pets coming into the emergency room often have more serious health concerns than those seen on a routine basis, and likely require more advanced and specialized services to stabilize or treat their condition.

Emergency Vet Visits With Pet Insurance

Pet owners can save money on emergency veterinary visits by purchasing pet insurance before an accident or illness occurs. When your pet needs emergency care, you’ll pay the bill upfront and then file a claim with your pet insurance company for reimbursement. You’re responsible for paying your plan’s annual deductible and coinsurance, and your insurance company may reimburse the remainder of the bill up to the plan’s annual limit. Without a pet insurance policy, you must pay the full amount out-of-pocket.

For example, say your dog needs emergency surgery that costs $4,000. You have a pet insurance plan with a $500 deductible, an 80% reimbursement rate (or 20% coinsurance), and a $10,000 annual limit. Your plan costs $80 per month and excludes coverage for the $150 exam fee associated with this visit.

Here is how this example could play out with insurance:

• The insurance pays $2,680 : The original $4,000 bill minus the $150 exam fee and $500 deductible, multiplied by an 80% reimbursement rate.
• You pay $1,320: The original $4,000 bill minus the $2,680 insurance payment.
• You save $2,680 overall: If you factor in the $960 you pay in premiums for the year, you will have saved $1,720 overall. You could achieve greater savings if you file additional claims in the same calendar year.

Factors That Affect Emergency Vet Costs

Several factors can influence the cost of an emergency vet visit, including:

Location and Facility Type

• Location: Practices located in urban, high-density areas may charge more for services than those located in rural areas.
• Facility type: Large multi-specialty facilities may charge more than smaller hospitals because the staff has greater capabilities.

Pet’s Size and Breed

• Pet species: It may cost less to treat a cat compared to a dog because cats are often smaller in size. Many treatments, such as medications and IV fluids, are based on a pet’s weight, and smaller animals will require less of a dosage. 
• Pet size or breed: Large dogs may cost more to treat than smaller dogs because of differences in medication dosages.

Severity and Complexity of the Emergency

• Emergency severity: Severe conditions tend to require more intensive treatments or emergency surgery.
• Emergency complexity: Complex problems may require the help of specialists, which will increase your overall bill.

Budgeting for the Vet and Payment Options

Pet owners can budget and pay for veterinary care in several ways, including:

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance offsets costs by reimbursing pet owners for large or unexpected bills. Pet insurance plans typically cover diagnostics and treatments related to accidents and illnesses. Examples of covered treatments include X-rays, surgeries, medications and hospitalizations. Examples of covered accidents and illnesses include broken bones, cancer, toxin ingestion and pancreatitis.

Payment Plans and Financing Options

• Payment plans : Some hospitals may offer in-house payment plans or membership plans that spread out the cost of large bills.
• Third-party financing: Several third-party payment options, including CareCredit and Scratch Pay, offer deferred interest payments. This may offer an alternative to paying for medical care with a credit card.

Pet Savings Account

Putting money in a pet savings account each month can provide the funds needed to pay for a small veterinary bill or pay the deductible and coinsurance on a pet insurance claim.

Pet Emergency Funds

Some pet insurance alternatives, such as Pawp , offer annual emergency funds as part of a larger service.

Emergency Vet Visit Alternatives

We always recommend pet owners call or visit an emergency facility if serious concerns arise because delaying care can have serious consequences. However, a few alternatives may be feasible in some cases:

• Telehealth: Calling a triage line or veterinary telehealth service can help you stabilize your pet at home or confirm the need for an emergency visit.
• Poison control: The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can advise you on the next steps if your pet consumes something toxic, which may save you a veterinary visit.

Should You Get Pet Insurance for Emergency Pet Care?

Emergencies can cost up to $10,000 or more, which may exceed a pet owner’s emergency fund or general budget. Getting pet insurance for emergencies can help you prepare for the unexpected and ensure you do not have to make health decisions for your pet based on finances alone. Pet health insurance can save pet owners thousands in emergency vet clinic visit fees and provide you with peace of mind. 

Note that you must have purchased a pet insurance plan and met the minimal waiting periods before coverage will take effect. Pet insurance will also not cover treatments or services related to pre-existing conditions . Owners can also purchase pet insurance for wellness care , which covers checkups, vaccinations, microchipping, heartworms and parasite treatments, and other preventive care services. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Vet Costs

Which state has the most expensive pet insurance.

Connecticut has the most expensive pet insurance plans, based on our team’s research into costs across top providers nationwide. Connecticut plans cost an average of $66 per month, which is significantly higher than the national average of $46 per month.

How much is a vet consultation?

A veterinary office visit, consultation or exam fee will cost $50 to $250, depending on the facility type. Emergency and specialist fees are typically higher than general veterinary visit fees.

How much does anaphylactic shock cost without insurance for dogs?

An emergency veterinary visit to treat anaphylactic shock, which includes a physical exam, monitoring, IV fluids, blood tests, oxygen, medications, and hospitalization, could cost $500 to $3,000 without pet insurance.

How much does an emergency vet cost in Canada?

Emergency veterinary costs in Canada are similar to those in the U.S., averaging $100 to $200 for an exam. Costs for surgery can reach $5,000 or more.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

FDA approves the new Covid vaccine. Here's the best time to get it.

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the new Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

It’s the third time the vaccines have been updated to match circulating strains since the original series. The shots should be available within days. The agency hasn't yet approved a third vaccine, from drugmaker Novavax.

The timing of the new vaccines — last year's rollout was in mid-September — is significant, since most of the U.S. is still caught in the summer wave of Covid illness. As of Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, the number of people testing positive for Covid keeps rising and emergency room visits for Covid have been increasing since mid-May. Hospitalizations are rising , too.

Here’s what to know about the updated vaccines.

How are the new Covid vaccines different? 

The new shots from Pfizer and Moderna are designed to target the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the highly contagious JN.1 variant that began circulating widely in the U.S. last winter. The drugmakers started making the new doses in June after the FDA advised them to freshen the formulas to match the version of the virus that was gaining ground in the U.S. 

A third vaccine, from drugmaker Novavax, has been updated to target the JN.1 strain. JN.1 and KP.2 have largely faded from circulation, according to the CDC.

As of Saturday, a sister strain called KP.3.1.1 accounted for about 36% of all new Covid cases, while another sister strain, KP.3, accounted for about 17%. 

It’s unclear exactly how effective the vaccines will be against the newer strains, but experts expect that they will protect against severe illness.

A spokesperson from Pfizer told NBC News that data submitted to the FDA shows that its vaccine generates a “substantially improved” immune response against multiple currently circulating variants, including KP.3, compared to earlier versions of the vaccine. 

There are “very minor sequence differences” between the variants, said John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College. 

A paper published this month in the journal Infectious Diseases found that KP.3.1.1 shares similarities with JN.1 and KP.2, although it has a few additional mutations that may help it spread more easily. 

“All these changes are incremental. They do not change the overall big picture,” Moore said. “KP.3.1.1 is just another step in the road that the overall omicron lineage is taking towards greater transmissibility.”

Who should get the new Covid vaccine?

In an earlier interview, Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and a former White House Covid-19 response coordinator, said Covid is most likely endemic in the U.S., meaning the virus is following “a relatively predictable pattern that will last a very long time.” 

That means we’ll be getting a yearly updated Covid vaccine to protect against mutations and waning immunity, just like annual flu shots.

As of May 11, only 22.5% of adults got last year’s updated Covid vaccine, according to data from the CDC . Only 14.4% of children ages 6 months through 17 years got vaccinated.

For this fall, the CDC recommended that all Americans ages 6 months and older get the new shots.

But Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, said it’s challenging to make a one-size-fits-all recommendation on who should get the vaccine, especially for healthy, young adults.

“It’s fair to say that the vaccines are still helpful, certainly at an individual level, and to some extent at a community level,” he said.

It’s critically important that people at the highest risk of a severe Covid infection — including people over 65 or with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or obesity — get the vaccine, Bogoch said

“The heavy lifting of the vaccine is really in protecting the most vulnerable people from severe outcomes, like hospitalization and death,” he said. 

When should I get the new Covid vaccine?

Millions of people in the U.S. have had Covid within the last few weeks and months. An advantage of the summer wave is that people who have recently recovered have an immune boost to fight off future infections. 

Because the vaccines will be available earlier this year than last, the question of timing for the most protection through the winter is more urgent. According to CDC guidance, if you’ve recently had Covid , “you may consider delaying your vaccine dose by 3 months.”  

For people at high risk of severe illness, experts say get the vaccine when it becomes available. That's because infection may not provide as much protection as vaccination, said Dr. Ofer Levy, the director of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. 

Protection from infection can vary based on the severity of infection, the strain, as well as a person’s age and health. 

For the young and healthy, it may not be as beneficial to get the vaccine so close to recovery from infection, said Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunology at the Yale School of Medicine. High levels of antibodies present from recent infection may prevent the vaccine from stimulating new immune cells.

“If there’s a lot of antibodies already circulating, those antibodies are going to block the [vaccine] from doing its job,” she said. “That’s one reason why it’s not recommended to get the vaccine immediately after you’ve had Covid.”

Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said there’s no harm in getting the vaccine now, although it may make more sense to wait since Covid cases tend to pick up around November.

“Assuming that’s the case again this year, I would say sometime in October when people get their flu shot would be perfect,” Sax said. 

There’s not a risk to getting it right away, but the initial protection from the vaccine may not last through an expected winter wave, Sax said. 

“The good thing is that all of us with our immunity from prior vaccines or getting Covid or both don’t have as much of a risk of severe disease,” he said. “But if you want to really completely avoid getting infected it’s that antibody spike after the vaccine that happens one to three weeks after that’s most protective.” 

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said that people who recently had Covid can wait a few months before they get their updated vaccine. 

“Immunity does wane from having had Covid or getting the vaccine,” Juthani said Wednesday during a media briefing with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials ahead of the winter respiratory virus season. “If you don’t feel strongly about getting the vaccine right away, then waiting about three months from when you had Covid, and particularly, so that as we’re approaching the holidays, that you get that shot before the big holidays and when you may be gathering with people.” 

“If you feel strongly that you really want to get the shot as soon as it’s available, even if you had Covid this summer, then of course you can get that,” she added. “There’s nothing to say that you can’t in September or October.”

Data from prior Covid vaccines suggests that the initial protection against infection peaks about a month after the shot and starts to wane over the next several months, even when the vaccine is well matched to the circulating strains. 

Fortunately protection against severe disease remains robust for much longer, Iwasaki said.

Ultimately you never know when you may become infected with the virus, she said.

“It’s kind of a risky calculation because waves just means that there is a large number of infections in the population, but at the individual level you can get infected tomorrow,” she said. “So it’s very difficult to predict what is the best time to get it.” 

Iwasaki plans to get the vaccine herself sooner rather than later since she has not been infected or had a booster in some time. 

Sax recommends that his patients wait two to three months after recovering before getting another shot. 

“The reality is, your infection gives you some boost of your own immunity,” he said.

What are side effects of the new Covid vaccines?

Like other versions of the Covid vaccines and similar to flu shots, the most common reaction is some pain at the injection site. Other side effects include :

• Muscle pain

The CDC says the side effects typically resolve after a few days. Serious side effects , such as the life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, are rare.

Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines have been associated with a small but increased risk of myocarditis , the inflammation of the heart muscle, mostly in young men. Most people make a full recovery.

How much will it cost?

Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are charging up to $150 per dose for a Covid vaccine , according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The vast majority of people with public and private health insurance should pay nothing out of pocket for the updated Covid vaccines —as long as they stick with an in-network provider, said Jennifer Kates, director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program.

Medicare and Medicaid require that the vaccines are free for patients. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, requires private insurers to cover all vaccines that are recommended by the CDC’s vaccine committee and director.

However, Kates added that the ACA’s requirement does not apply to grandfathered plans — plans that existed before the ACA was signed into law — and short-term health plans. 

“People enrolled in these plans may face cost sharing for the Covid vaccine, or the vaccine may not be covered at all,” she said.

Children without insurance can get free vaccines through the government-run Vaccines for Children Program.

For adults without health insurance, the situation is a bit different. The CDC’s Bridge Access Program — which has been paying for shots for uninsured adults — is expected to shut down in August because of a lack of funding.

Once the funding runs out, uninsured individuals may be able to access free Covid vaccines through community health centers and other safety net providers that participate in the Section 317 vaccine program for adults, Kates said. Section 317 is a federal initiative that gives funding to states to provide vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults.

“Some state and local health departments may also have a limited supply for people without insurance, but any supply will be very limited,” Kates said.

Berkeley Lovelace Jr. is a health and medical reporter for NBC News. He covers the Food and Drug Administration, with a special focus on Covid vaccines, prescription drug pricing and health care. He previously covered the biotech and pharmaceutical industry with CNBC.

Akshay Syal, M.D., is a medical fellow with the NBC News Health and Medical Unit.