The average cost of a routine check-up for a pet is between $50-$85 in the US(1). Various factors like the breed, age, location, type of facility, etc., can affect the cost.
A vet checkup is like taking your car for a simple oil change. It’s only simple till the mechanic comes out with a bill that suggests they also need to replace the engine, the tires, and possibly the entire frame.
Before you start Googling ‘DIY pet healthcare’, we’ll help you understand the basics of routine vet visits for pets, their importance, costs, and finally, ways to save on the costs.
A vet visit can be for multiple purposes – routine, sickness, vaccinations, surgeries, emergencies, etc. For this article, we’ll focus on a routine vet checkup for pets. We have written a detailed article on ‘How much is a vet visit? where we’ve explained all types of visits and their average costs.
Routine Vet Visit: An Introduction
Routine vet visits are extremely important for your pet. They help ensure your pet remains healthy, receives necessary vaccinations, and gets timely treatment for any medical issues. The benefits do not just stop at the pet’s health. They help strengthen the relationship between you and your pet as well.
Why are routine vet visits important?
Not all illnesses come with signs and symptoms that are easily noticeable. Many, actually most of them, go unnoticed without a professional exam. A wellness exam helps in treating such illnesses early enough so that they do not turn into major issues.
Below are the most important benefits of a routine vet visit –
Monitoring your pet’s weight and overall health
Keep up the vaccination schedule
Prevent parasites like fleas, ticks and worms
Getting dental care recommendations
Get tips on the pet’s nutrition, behavior, and lifestyle adjustments
How often should you schedule routine vet visits?
The recommended frequency of a vet visit depends on the pet’s age, breed, and overall health. Below are the recommended vet visit frequencies based on the pet’s age -
Kittens - They need a good amount of attention and care. You should plan your first vet visit during the first week of having your kitten home.
Adult cats – An annual wellness exam is recommended for all cats above the age of 1. It is important to catch diseases and medical conditions early.
Puppies – Just like kittens, more frequent vet visits are important for puppies too. You should plan appointments every 3-4 weeks for vaccinations and wellness checks until they are around 16 weeks old.
Adult dogs – Dogs above the age of 1 should have annual wellness vet visits to identify diseases and other conditions at an early stage.
How Much Do Routine Vet Visits Cost?
A routine vet visit can cost you anywhere between $50-$100, depending on the pet breed, inclusions, your location, type of facility, etc.1 Below are some additional costs that you may have to incur during a routine vet visit:2
Wellness exam and vaccines - $550
Heartworm test - $35-$50
Deworming medication - $75
In case of a specific vet visit, below are some average costs you can expect:2
Dental cleaning - $750
Spaying or neutering - $650-$1000
Blood tests - $150
Microchipping - $115
Does Pet Insurance Cover Routine Vet Visits?
Pet insurance plans usually do not cover routine vet visit costs, as they fall under preventive care. Pet insurance is a tool that helps cover eligible costs of unexpected expenses like diseases and accidents.
Having said that, some providers, like Spot, do offer preventive or wellness add-ons that can help cover routine vet visits. Learn more about Spot's wellness add-ons.
With Spot Pet Insurance, you can not only get reimbursed up to 90% of the covered veterinary costs* but also costs like alternative therapies, specialist vet visits, prescription diets, and much more.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions, including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
*Reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age at enrollment and renewal.
"Cost of Care." BCSPCA Vancouver Animal Hospital, n.d., https://www.vancouverspcavet.ca/services/cost-of-care/.
"How to Budget for a Family Pet in Canada." MyDoh, May 17 2023, https://www.mydoh.ca/learn/blog/lifestyle/how-to-budget-for-a-family-pet-in-canada/.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
