Average vet costs by procedure (2026)
Ranges reflect typical US prices; major metro areas run 20–40% higher. UK/CA/AU columns show approximate local equivalents.
| Procedure | US ($) | UK (£) | Canada (C$) | Australia (A$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | 50–100 | 40–60 | 70–130 | 80–140 |
| Vaccination (core set) | 75–150 | 60–100 | 100–180 | 110–200 |
| Spay (female) | 300–600 | 250–500 | 400–750 | 450–800 |
| Neuter (male) | 200–400 | 180–350 | 280–500 | 300–550 |
| Microchip | 45–75 | 15–30 | 60–100 | 70–110 |
| Dental cleaning | 300–700 | 250–600 | 400–900 | 450–1,000 |
| X-ray | 150–350 | 120–300 | 200–450 | 220–500 |
| Ultrasound | 300–600 | 250–500 | 400–750 | 450–850 |
| Emergency exam (after hours) | 150–300 | 120–250 | 200–400 | 220–450 |
| Emergency surgery (typical) | 2,000–5,000 | 1,500–4,000 | 2,500–6,500 | 2,800–7,000 |
| ACL/CCL surgery | 2,000–4,000 | 1,800–3,500 | 2,800–5,000 | 3,000–5,500 |
| Foreign body removal | 1,000–3,500 | 800–3,000 | 1,300–4,500 | 1,500–5,000 |
| Cancer treatment | 3,000–10,000+ | 2,500–8,000+ | 4,000–12,000+ | 4,500–13,000+ |
Compiled from AVMA guidance, CareCredit cost data, and provider surveys, October 2026. Always confirm with your local vet.
Why this matters for budgeting
One emergency surgery can exceed an entire year of routine care. This is why our emergency fund calculator targets $2,000–$5,000 and why pet insurance exists. Budget for the average; prepare for the emergency.
Sources & review
- AVMA: veterinary care guidelines.
- CareCredit: procedure cost benchmarks.