The essentials
- Emergencies can be quite 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 — Speaking 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 $,1000-$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 proactively save for a rainy day.
The cost of emergency vet care
The cost of emergency pet care largely depends on the nature of the emergency. Some midnight diarrhea or on-the-go travel issues may not net you as hefty a bill as difficulty breathing or a seizure.
Regardless of the type of emergency, the first step in the process will include some type of triage and an exam. During the exam, the doctor may recommend (or even require) some diagnostic testing including blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, or even a CT scan. While these tests may be costly, they will save time and help the doctor come up with the most accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan. Emergency care may be covered by pet insurance. Get your price based on your pet’s breed, age, and location at Fetch by the Dodo
To give you an idea of anticipated costs – here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of emergencies:
Gastroenteritis ($200 – $3,000). The cost of care for gastroenteritis varies depending on the severity of your pet’s illness. Since a diagnosis comes after ruling out other more serious illnesses, some of this cost may come from testing to ensure that what your pup has is gastroenteritis. The treatment may include subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous fluids, a prescription diet, and medication to treat symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. This cost of treatment depends upon the route of fluid administration, length of treatment, specialized diet, and cost of medications.
Poisoning ($200 – $3,000). If your dog ingests something toxic like chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes, cleaning products, mushrooms, plants, or rat/ant poison, call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) first. There is a $75 fee to call either of these numbers, but you will speak to a toxicology team who will advise you on whether or not your dog ingested a toxic dose and needs treatment. They may ask you to bring your dog to an ER hospital where the vet will induce vomiting, perform gastric lavage (stomach pump), or use activated charcoal to absorb the toxin. The cost for treatment depends largely on what your dog ate and which treatments they need.
Seizures ($500 to $5,000). Watching your pup have a seizure can be scary. Your vet’s priority will be to help your dog stop seizing and then to figure out why they are having seizures in the first place. Depending on the age and health of your dog, the vet may recommend a CT scan or MRI under anesthesia to determine the cause of the seizures. The cost for treatment will be higher if your vet is performing diagnostic testing. If your dog has already been diagnosed with a seizure disorder or another health condition that can cause seizures the cost of treatment could be lower as your vet may stabilize your pet and offer additional medication or treatment options as indicated.
Severe trauma ($2,000 – $10,000). Severe injuries caused by blunt force trauma, getting in a fight, or being hit by a car can be costly. Your dog may need to have wounds cleaned and stitched, X-rays or other scans, bones reset, or surgery to repair damage to internal organs. It’s hard to estimate the cost of these types of injuries but it’s important to know they can come with some hefty bills.
Cardiac conditions ($250 – $5,000). If your dog is having heart problems, an acute issue could set you back for an emergency exam, blood pressure check, chest x-rays, ECG, echo (ultrasound) of the heart, and medications to manage the heart disease. Heart surgery is rare but sometimes needed for the placement of a pacemaker or to address a congenital heart defect. If your dog is genetically predisposed to heart disease, then it would be wise to proactively plan for cardiac issues.
Broken bones ($1,500 -$5,000). X-rays will be needed to diagnose a fractured bone. Based on the location and severity of the fracture, your pet may need pain medication and a split or could require orthopedic surgery performed by a boarded surgeon. The cost will vary based on the treatment needed to repair the broken bone. This estimate does not include physical therapy or rehabilitation which may be needed for a full recovery.
When you bring your pet to the emergency vet for treatment, it’s OK to ask questions about prognosis and the cost of treatment. Remember to stay as calm as possible and remember that the vet staff is doing everything they can to help you and your pet.
How to pay for an emergency visit
When your pet does have an emergency, chances are you will 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 and 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 amount of 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 is important to purchase pet insurance early on in dog ownership, because any pre-existing condition may not be covered.
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. As you can see in this article, 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 and if you qualify, you will be approved for a certain amount of money which you will need to pay off in a certain time or you will be charged 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, then pay the remaining balance over time. This is becoming less common as there is a risk to the veterinary practice of people skipping out on payments. If you do not pay your bill, then the veterinary hospital will likely send you to collections.
Other factors to consider
In addition to the nature of your pet’s emergency, many other things can impact the cost of their care. These include:
- Location. The cost of care for your pet can depend on where you bring them for care. Regardless, your pet should be cared for by board-certified veterinarians that specialize in different areas of veterinary medicine. Some facilities may also have an intensive care unit (ICU) with oxygen cages and advanced medical equipment including a CT scan and MRI.
- Breed. Some breeds, like those that are considered brachycephalic (i.e. pugs, English bulldogs), will need additional precautions taken when they receive care. This is especially true when undergoing anesthesia. This may increase the cost of care if your pet is one of these breeds.
- Specialty. If your pet needs to see a specialist in an emergency like a cardiologist or oncologist, the cost of care will be greater than if they were seeing a general practice emergency vet.
- Patient status. The severity of the emergency will dictate the cost. If your dog has eaten something toxic, treatment likely will be less costly than having emergency surgery for a blockage or to relieve a case of bloat.
When to visit the emergency vet
While you may always want your pet to receive timely treatment for any issue, large or small, it is important to understand what is an emergency and what can wait. Things like difficulty breathing, seizures, internal bleeding, unable to hold down food or water, black tarry stools, blunt force trauma, and severe vomiting can all be true medical emergencies and should be treated as such.
Consider using telehealth
Telehealth is a great way to determine the severity of your pet’s condition and determine if they need to be seen immediately. When you use telehealth, a veterinarian, tech, or experienced professional will ask about your pet’s symptoms and medical history. This will help determine if you need to bring your pet in immediately or if they can wait until normal business hours to see their regular veterinarian.
The telehealth person may also tell you what to look for to see if your pet’s condition is deteriorating or if there is an increase in the severity of their issue. If those things happen you may want to call back and coordinate getting your pet seen at a vet hospital as soon as possible!
🚨 Get your pet medical attention immediately if you notice that they are having trouble breathing or they are bleeding profusely.
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.
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FAQs
How much is a VETT? ›
A basic vet visit will likely run anywhere from $45 to $55. But a more extensive check-up for your dog—the equivalent of a “physical”—could bump that cost up to anywhere from $100 to $300. Similar exams for your cat could range from $90-$200. And any additional testing and exams will add to that price.
Are emergency vet fees covered by insurance? ›Pet insurance usually covers emergency vet visits. But some providers will place a limit on the amount they'll pay for emergency appointments and some will have clauses around only paying in a life-threatening situation.
Do all vets charge the same? ›Two vets may be charging around the same amount for any given treatment. But pet owners have to rely on their vets being honest about what treatments are actually required. An unscrupulous vet could recommend all sorts of expensive procedures and tests.
Do vets cost more on weekends? ›Aside from a small out of hours supplement we don't charge any more for treatment at weekends, nights or bank holidays than during our normal working hours.
How much does a vet make? ›How much does a Veterinarian make in the United States? The average Veterinarian salary in the United States is $102,334 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $80,372 and $129,852.
How much do vets charge to sedate a dog? ›On average, vets charge $50-$75 to sedate a small dog and $100-$200 to sedate a large dog. Sedation costs are dependent on the animal's weight, which is why the cost can vary so much. Costs also vary based on the type of sedative used.
What happens if I can't afford my vet bill? ›Speak with your vet
If you do not qualify for help with your veterinary bills from a registered animal charity, speak to your vet because they may let you pay in instalments to spread the cost. Whether you can do this will depend on your veterinary practice and the total cost of the treatment your pet needs.
If you are planning to cancel your insurance policy or you feel your pet is coming towards the end of their life, claiming for smaller bills may be worth it as you are less likely to face the increase in renewal fee. Remember that older animals are much more likely to need veterinary care.
Does pet insurance cover emergency out of hours? ›Yes, although you may need to provide a letter from the vet stating an emergency consultation was essential.
Why do vets ask if you have insurance? ›Animal insurance may enable relevant veterinary investigations or treatment to be carried out in circumstances where fees might otherwise be unaffordable for the animal owner. A veterinary surgeon should, however, ensure that the investigation or treatment is appropriate and is in the animal's best interests.
Why do vets cost so much? ›
Like human hospitals, veterinary clinics have diagnostic equipment that is expensive to purchase and maintain. Radiology is a huge investment, especially if state-of-the-art digital x-ray and ultrasound machines are utilized.
Do vets get commission? ›Associates may be paid either an annual straight salary, a combination of a salary plus a commission, or they may be paid on a straight commission basis. In the USA, almost 75% of veterinarians working as associates are paid on some form of commission basis.
Who owns vets now? ›Vets Now was founded in 2001 by Richard Dixon, a veterinary surgeon who understood the pressure of being on-call round the clock while also trying to maintain a good quality of life.
What is classed as a emergency for PDSA? ›An emergency is when there is something wrong with your pet that is life-threatening. Signs of a life-threatening emergency are: Being unconscious. Constant fits.
Is the PDSA free? ›PDSA offers free and low cost veterinary care to poorly pets in need. Find out what help is available.
What is the highest paid veterinarian? ›- Zoo veterinarian. National average salary: $59,986 per year. ...
- Veterinary practice manager. ...
- Veterinary hospital manager. ...
- Public health veterinarian. ...
- Regulatory medicine veterinarian. ...
- Small animal veterinarian. ...
- Military veterinarian. ...
- Veterinary research scientist.
| Percentile | 10% | 50% (Median) |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $ 29.21 | $ 48.26 |
| Annual Wage (2) | $ 60,760 | $ 100,370 |
- Qatar: $60,959 on average per year.
- Luxemburg: $53,040 annual salary.
- Netherlands: annual salary is $69,244.
- Iceland: annual income of $65,935.
- Germany: veterinarians can earn between €49,261 and $53,650 a year.
- Switzerland: around $68,722 each year.
- Begin With the End In Mind.
- Start Early & Cut Often.
- Desensitize And/Or Counter-Condition Your Dog Slowly.
- Treat Generously.
- Remain Calm and Confident.
- Be Patient With Your Dog and Yourself.
- Do NOT Overreact If You Hit the Quick!
In some cases, sedation is an absolute necessity. That said, it's not as common as many people think. Vets will often recommend sedation is extreme cases where the dog poses a threat to itself and the groomer. Dogs that are poorly trained and poorly socialized will often have trouble with nail trimming.
Is dog sedation the same as anesthesia? ›
Sedation is not anaesthetic, it is a way of reducing anxiety in your pet and can be used in stronger doses for X-rays. Age is not a barrier for anaesthetic, but let us know about other health problems. There are specific things you need to do before your pet comes in, so read on.
Do vets let you pay Instalments? ›Some vets offer payment plans through a credit company if you need help spreading the cost. Not every vet can offer this, but it's worth asking if this is an option.
Can I take my cat to the vet if I have no money? ›“Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship.”
How much do you pay at PDSA? ›How much does PDSA Pet Care cost? There is a monthly fee of £4.50 to join the PDSA Pet Care scheme by Direct Debit. Alternatively, you can pay the annual fee of £54 at the point of registration. What pets can I register?
What are the disadvantages of pet insurance? ›- Not routine visits aren't always covered. ...
- You might still have out-of-pocket costs. ...
- Not an option for pre-existing conditions. ...
- You pay upfront costs. ...
- You might not use all the benefits.
How long should I wait for my pet insurance payout? Once you've sent off the paperwork and providing all of the supporting documents (the receipts and invoices) are in order, you should have a decision from your insurer within 5-10 days.
Is it worth having pet insurance for older dogs? ›While insurance for an older dog may be pricier than a younger pet, it may be cheaper than any unexpected vet bills, prescription or ongoing treatment. It is always a good idea to be prepared, so ask your vet what type of conditions your breed tends to get when they reach an older age.
Are vaccinations covered by pet insurance? ›Does pet insurance cover vaccinations? Vaccinations are not covered by pet insurance. Neither is spaying or neutering. But, having all your animal's vaccinations up to date could mean lower insurance premiums.
Does petplan pay euthanasia? ›In the sad event that your pet needs to be put to sleep you can claim for the cost of euthanasia within the veterinary fee benefit.
How much is petplan excess? ›Typically a 20% excess (in addition to the fixed excess) is introduced on our Covered For Life® policies at the dogs 10th birthday (7th birthday for some breeds) and on our Essential cover at the dogs 8th birthday (5th birthday for some breeds). This helps us keep premiums affordable for older pets.
Can I use more than one vet? ›
Yes, this is allowed, but there are cons to utilising different practices and switching between vets: If your pet is receiving treatment from different practices, this can make insurance claims even more complicated. And you may be faced with having to pay multiple excess fees.
How do pet insurance know about pre-existing conditions? ›Pet Insurance companies do require medical records in order to enroll any pet in a policy. These companies employ teams of veterinary specialists that are trained to review your pet's medical records in order to determine if your pet has any pre-existing medical conditions.
Do vets give refunds? ›Veterinarians cannot take back opened and used medications. They generally don't accept returns for any medication as a general policy. I don't think your local human pharmacy would either. There are too many unknowns about what happened to the medication when it was out of their hands.
How much should I spend on a sick dog? ›On average, pet owners spend $235 per year in recurring medical costs for a dog and $160 for a cat, according to the ASPCA.
How do you know if you can trust your vet? ›- Good: They Care About Comfort. ...
- Good: They're Willing To Explain. ...
- Good: They Run Thorough Tests. ...
- Good: They Listen To You. ...
- Bad: They Rush You. ...
- Bad: They Try To Sell You Unnecessary Things. ...
- Bad: You Feel Uncomfortable.
Your vet has no place to store bulk amounts of medications and has to purchase smaller quantities. Hence, he or she doesn't get the bulk rate discount, forcing them to overcharge. Plus, there's an overhead cost for keeping the medication in stock and a loss risk if it expires while sitting on its shelf.
Why do vets not make a lot of money? ›Money Issues
Considering the amount of schooling they go through, the cost of their students loans, and the intensity of the job, veterinarians don't make that much money. The median salary for a veterinarian in the U.S is $72,709.
Contrary to what some people think, doctors (oncologists included) do not get paid commissions by pharmaceutical companies for prescribing a drug. That's illegal. No veterinarians don't get kickbacks from companies selling a product. In fact, veterinarians purchase their supplies from distributors.
Why do vets take dogs to the back? ›More space, proper supplies, good lighting, a sink, and other equipment may be more easily accessible in the back. In some cases, your vet may be willing for you to come to the back, too. But with procedures such as x-rays or surgery that probably isn't advisable.
Who is the CEO of vets now? ›Mark Ross - Chief Executive - Vets Now | LinkedIn.
Is vets now part of IVC? ›
Vets Now will retain autonomy, operating as an independent part of the IVC Group, with chief executive Mark Ross, continuing to lead the team.
How many vets currently practice in the UK? ›Our emergency vets are here for you and your pet in 60+ locations across the UK and via video consultations. Find your local emergency vet below. Do you need help? Find your nearest clinic for immediate treatment.
How much is an emergency vet visit UK? ›The average UK cost for an out-of-hours emergency vet appointment is £200*, which doesn't include the cost of treatment. Vet fees in the UK aren't regulated, so the cost of treatments for your pet will depend on the vet you've chosen. Some veterinary clinics will show their prices on their website but not all.
What do vets do if you can't pay UK? ›You can contact the RSPCA or Blue Cross to see if they can offer help, or your local vet may be able to offer you an affordable payment plan. We would recommend getting insurance, as this can be a big help with unexpected veterinary bills.
What do you need to qualify for free PDSA treatment? ›To qualify for free treatments and medications, you must live within the postcode catchment area of one of our Pet Hospitals and be receiving at least one of the following benefits: Housing benefit (means tested) Council tax support (means tested) Universal credit with housing element.
What happens if I can't afford my vet bill? ›Speak with your vet
If you do not qualify for help with your veterinary bills from a registered animal charity, speak to your vet because they may let you pay in instalments to spread the cost. Whether you can do this will depend on your veterinary practice and the total cost of the treatment your pet needs.
The Blue Cross provide low-cost vet treatment for people who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their animal hospitals and receive any of the following benefits: Universal Credit (with a reduction in payment due to work, other income or savings)
Can I just turn up at PDSA? ›You must be registered at a PDSA Pet Hospital to arrange an appointment.
How much do you pay at PDSA? ›How much does PDSA Pet Care cost? There is a monthly fee of £4.50 to join the PDSA Pet Care scheme by Direct Debit. Alternatively, you can pay the annual fee of £54 at the point of registration. What pets can I register?
How much is a check up at the vets UK? ›A vet appointment usually costs between £40-£60. This will include a consultation and diagnosis.
Does it cost to register with a vet UK? ›
It is free of charge and can normally be done online or over the telephone. Once you have registered with a veterinary practice, they may contact you with offers and updates on their latest products. You should be able to opt-out of these services should you wish, but many are useful.
How much does it cost for a vet visit UK? ›How much do vet appointments cost? The average UK cost for an out-of-hours emergency vet appointment is £200*, which doesn't include the cost of treatment. Vet fees in the UK aren't regulated, so the cost of treatments for your pet will depend on the vet you've chosen.
What happens if I can't afford my vet bill? ›Speak with your vet
If you do not qualify for help with your veterinary bills from a registered animal charity, speak to your vet because they may let you pay in instalments to spread the cost. Whether you can do this will depend on your veterinary practice and the total cost of the treatment your pet needs.
You can contact the RSPCA or Blue Cross to see if they can offer help, or your local vet may be able to offer you an affordable payment plan. We would recommend getting insurance, as this can be a big help with unexpected veterinary bills.
Can I take my cat to the vet if I have no money? ›“Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship.”
Why do vets charge so much? ›Like human hospitals, veterinary clinics have diagnostic equipment that is expensive to purchase and maintain. Radiology is a huge investment, especially if state-of-the-art digital x-ray and ultrasound machines are utilized.
What does a vet consultation include? ›This will include general care including walking, feeding and cleaning as well as assisting in taking blood samples, placing intravenous catheters and aiding during surgical procedures.
Do you have to pay vet bills up front UK? ›Most vets expect full payment from the pet owner at the time of treatment. This is true even if there is a pet insurance policy in place to cover the vet bills. The exception would be if it has been agreed that pet insurance will be paying the vet directly and pre-approval has been sought and received from the insurer.
Can you use a vet's prescription more than once? ›A repeat prescription is a written prescription that can be used more than once. If your pet is on long term medication or preventative treatment, and is stable, your vet may be happy to provide you with a prescription that will last until your next check-up. This is usually between 3 – 6 months.
Can you be registered at 2 vets? ›Cons to registering at more than one practice
Yes, this is allowed, but there are cons to utilising different practices and switching between vets: If your pet is receiving treatment from different practices, this can make insurance claims even more complicated.
Can you visit vet if not registered? ›
All pets need to be registered with a veterinary practice, where you can take them for routine health care and advice, as well as any emergency treatment.
How much does it cost to remove a tumor from a dog UK? ›A standard mass removal (such as a larger skin mass, soft tissue mass or most mammary tumours) would be £659, including pre-anaesthetic bloods, general anaesthetic, surgery, pain management post-op, histopathology (lab fees) and post-surgical checkup.
How much does it cost to put a cat to sleep UK 2022? ›Cat euthanasia cost
When the time comes to say goodbye to your cat, it will usually cost about £30 to have them put to sleep at the vets and £60 for a home visit.
How much does it cost to see a vet? You should expect to pay £50 to £60 for a standard vet consultation. However, an emergency, out-of-hours consultation with a vet could cost you £200. If your dog has a minor stomach upset or rash, a standard vet consultation could be over in 10 minutes.