It’s important to take your pet to the vet at least once a year for an annual checkup. This visit gives your vet the opportunity to give your pet a physical, check their vitals, and administer any boosters that are due. Bringing your pet in for a checkup allows your vet the opportunity to catch any health conditions that may be developing in your pet, allowing for them to receive an early diagnosis and begin treatment. This blog will walk you through what to expect at your pet’s checkup; including a breakdown of costs and services received.
How Much are Annual Checkups for Pets?
The average cost of an annual checkup for a cat or dog is about $50 to $80 3. But costs can vary depending on multiple factors. Continue reading to learn more about what can affect the cost of your pet’s annual checkup.
What Effects the Cost of My Pet’s Annual Checkup?
In addition to species, the cost for an annual checkup can vary depending on:
Your Location: According to Care Credit, the average cost for an “office visit” with your vet ranges between $50 and $95 depending on where in the U.S. you live3. States like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are some of the most expensive, with average costs of $93, $85, and $873. Michigan, Oklahoma, and Montana are among the most affordable, with average costs of $52, $53, and $55 respectively3.
Age of the Pet: Puppies and kittens receive multiple rounds of vaccines in their first year; and senior pets can develop chronic conditions as they age. This means that the cost of their veterinary checkups may be more expensive3.
Services: If your pet needs additional tests, like fecal, heartworm, or blood tests, it will increase the cost of your annual checkup.
What Happens During My Pet’s Checkup at the Vet?
During your pet’s checkup your vet will take their vitals, weigh them, and perform a physical exam of your pet. If any abnormalities are found, they may ask to run a few tests to help determine if there is cause for concern. While there are many tests they can run, it’s common for vets to request blood, urine, or stool samples for testing. Some results may be ready in just a few minutes, and you and your vet will be able to discuss them the same day, while other tests may need more time to process.
How Can I Save Money on the Cost of My Pet’s Checkup?
It’s not uncommon for pet parents to worry about the cost of their pet’s annual checkup. Between the cost of the exam, updating vaccines, and running tests (when necessary), it can be an expensive vet visit. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to help lower the cost or get reimbursed on your pet’s annual exam:
Low-Cost Clinics: Taking your pet to a low cost clinic is a great way to access affordable veterinary care. Humane societies are known to offer low cost care, look up your local shelter and ask about their veterinary services.
Pet Insurance with Wellness Coverage: While pet insurance base plans typically don’t offer coverage for routine care, some providers like Spot Pet Insurance offer preventive care add-ons that can help you get cash back on routine care for a small fee.
Bundle Pricing: Some vets will offer discounts when your pet receives more than one vaccine in a single visit, or when you bring multiple pets in to be vaccinated at the same time. Speak with your vet and ask about any bundle discounts they might offer.
Preventive Care at Home: Making sure your pet receives the nutrition and exercise they need can help to keep them healthy in the long term, helping keep veterinary bills low. Make sure to speak to your vet about your pet’s diet and exercise needs so you can make sure to provide what they need at home.
Read more: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Conclusion
While annual checkups may seem expensive, they are an important part of your pet’s care. They provide your vet an opportunity to evaluate your pet, administer any care they may need, and catch any health conditions early. For pet parents concerned with the cost of an annual checkup, lookup your local low-cost clinics, speak with your vet about your concerns, and sign up for pet insurance with wellness coverage to get cash back on covered routine care services.
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Average Pricing By Procedure. (n.d.), www.carecredit.com https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/costs/
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost in 2024? (n.d.). In MarketWatch - Guides. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/pet-insurance/how-much-does-a-vet-visit-cost/
