The cost of a vet visit in 2025

If you've visited the vet recently, chances are you’ve noticed how a simple check-up can turn into a significant expense. For many pet owners, rising vet prices can create a dilemma: you want to secure the best care for your beloved companion, but rising costs are putting pressure on your budget.

So, what does a vet visit cost in 2025, and why do prices seem to climb year after year? We’re crunching the numbers from PetSure’s Pet Health Monitor to help shed light on typical vet costs in Australia.

Counting the typical vet costs in Australia

Most cat and dog owners know that the cost of a regular vet checkup can vary dramatically, but it’s helpful to have a rough guide.

According to the Pets in Australia report, the average household with a dog spends $4,247 per year on pet-related costs, while cat households spend an average of $2,718. Of this total, roughly 14% goes towards veterinary services – which translates, on average, to $631 in vet bills for dogs and $388 for cats each year.

Beyond routine check-ups, a common procedure you might want to consider in your budget for is de-sexing, which can cost anywhere from $115–$500 depending on your pet’s species, age, size and gender.

It’s easy to see how these costs can add up. If you live in a bigger city, you might have convenient, 24/7 emergency clinics – though you’ll likely see higher fees. In regional or suburban areas, routine vet bills can be a bit lower, though specialist treatments may require you to travel further.

Many owners prepare for unexpected vet costs by setting aside a pet emergency fund or taking out pet insurance. Keeping on top of preventative treatments like flea, tick, and worming meds – and speaking with your vet about pricing can help you avoid any big financial surprises.

The average cost of an emergency vet visit in 2025

If regular check-ups have become pricier, emergency vet costs have followed the same trend. For after-hours or urgent care, emergency vet costs in 2025 can easily start at $300 to $400 – especially at 24/7 specialist emergency hospitals in capital cities. If your pet needs advanced imaging (such as CT scans or MRIs), specialist consultations, or surgery, you could be looking at bills that climb into the thousands.

According to PetSure’s Pet Health Monitor, here are a few examples of how emergency or specialty procedures can vary:

• Surgery for a foreign object ingestion: Average treatment cost (with surgery) $5,000 (but can be as high as $41,000 in very complex cases).
• Cancer or tumour treatments: Average treatment is $2,000–$4,000; extreme cases can exceed $30,000.
• Cruciate ligament repair (TPLO surgery): $3,000–$6,000 on average but can reach $10,000+.

Vets are increasingly offering payment options such as 'buy now pay later' services like Zip Pay or interest-free arrangements. While these can be a useful lifeline in urgent circumstances, you’ll want to consider whether you can keep up with the fortnightly repayment, as missed payments can lead to late fees and added financial stress.

What causes changes in the price of treatments?

Many pet parents are feeling the cost of living pinch. In fact, PetSure’s latest data reveals that more than 50% of pet owners are changing the way they’re approaching their pet’s healthcare in light of rising cost of living pressures.

So, why are prices for veterinary care rising? Multiple factors contribute to what you ultimately see on your vet visit invoice:

1. Location and clinic overheads: A city practice with all the modern bells and whistles will usually charge a different rate to a smaller suburban clinic with fewer staff and lower rent.
2. Type of practice: Specialty hospitals with advanced imaging equipment (like MRI machines) and additional staff naturally have higher fees than a general clinic.
3. Complexity of the procedure: Something like removing a skin mass under local anaesthetic is usually a lower cost than orthopaedic surgery performed by a specialist surgeon.
4. Medication and diagnostics: The cost of diagnostics adds up quickly, especially if external pathology labs are involved.
5. Out-of-hours surcharges: Urgent weekend or late-night appointments usually come with an extra fee.

In short, vet costs are reflective of a multi-step treatment process that encompasses professional expertise, advanced technology, diagnostic testing, staffing, and more.

Why do vet costs keep increasing?

The price of everything from groceries to fuel has been on the rise, and vet expenses are no exception. This is partly down to economic changes – yes, inflation has a role here – but it’s not the only reason.

• Advanced veterinary care: Veterinary science has made leaps and bounds, offering treatments such as new injectable arthritis therapies, intricate surgeries like joint replacements, and emerging cancer treatments that parallel human healthcare. The cost of these procedures is high because the equipment, facilities, and specialised training come at a premium.
• Increased specialisation: A growing number of vets are specialising in areas like ophthalmology, dermatology, or oncology. While this elevates the standard of care for pet owners, highly skilled professionals charge more due to their extra training and certifications.
• Pet ownership boom: Recent data from PetSure’s Pet Health Monitor suggests Australians are still adopting pets in droves. Higher demand for appointments can lead to a lift in prices due to a shortage of available staff and even supply chain shortages of medication (such as vaccines).
• Insurance claims and overheads: While pet insurance can help owners manage vet bills, it also indirectly shapes the market. As insured clients make higher-cost claims for conditions like cruciate ligament tears or advanced cancer treatments, clinics may see this as part of routine operations, maintaining higher prices.

It’s also worth noting that vet nurses, receptionists, and other team members deserve fair wages, continuing education, and safe working conditions, all of which factor into the overall fees you pay at the clinic.

Top trends in pet ownership

With the cost of living and vet checkups rising, you might assume Australians are rethinking owning a pet. However, we remain a nation of devoted animal lovers.

Here are some key insights shaping the future of vet costs based on PetSure’s Pet Health Monitor:

1. Rise in crossbred and designer dogs: Cavoodles, Labradoodles, and other Poodle-crosses remain popular. According to the Pet Health Monitor, crossbreeds like Cavoodles frequently claim for conditions such as ear infections, costing an average of around $330 per episode. This popularity might lead to more vet bills for ongoing conditions like skin allergies and ear infections.
2. Cats are catching up: Although dogs remain the country’s favourite companion, cat ownership has seen a notable spike. Domestic shorthairs top the charts, with conditions like gastrointestinal disease being a frequent concern – often costing $530 or more if you catch it early and significantly more if you don’t.
3. Growing awareness of preventative health: Many pet owners are now more proactive about routine screening, diagnostic blood tests, and dental check-ups. While this can mean a higher yearly fee, it also reduces the likelihood of encountering sky-high emergency vet costs down the line. Some clinics even offer free dental checks if you pay for a broader annual wellness package.
4. Specialised care for senior pets: Pets aged over eight years are more prone to chronic issues like arthritis and cancers. As the Pet Health Monitor indicates, advanced surgeries or therapies for older pets (including tumour removals, arthritis injections, or even palliative care) can be expensive but can also extend a pet’s lifespan.
5. Tech-savvy pet parents: Online vet consultation services and telehealth appointments are on the rise. Though this doesn’t entirely replace in-person visits, it can guide owners on whether urgent care is needed and sometimes results in reduced, or at least more transparent, vet consultation fees.
6. Heightened focus on environmental factors: Issues like tick paralysis, once confined to certain warmer months, are now a year-round concern due to climate changes. This correlates with higher claims for tick-related treatments, which can cost $800–$4,000 depending on the severity.

Staying on top of these trends and understanding how they might impact your vet check-up costs or overall pet budget is crucial if you’re considering bringing a new dog or cat into your home.

Planning ahead for future vet expenses

If you’ve been considering bringing home a new dog or planning for the future for your current pets, budgeting is key. The best way to navigate rising vet costs and ensure your pet remains healthy is through forward planning, preventative care, and open dialogue with your vet.

Here are a few practical ways to navigate the growing costs of vet visits in 2025:

• Consider investing in insurance or set aside savings: Pet insurance can offset big-ticket treatments, but be sure to read the policy documents to know exactly what is covered. Alternatively, you could consider depositing a small sum into a dedicated pet savings account each month.
• Shop around (but don’t skimp on quality): If you’re unsure about a recommended procedure or quote, ask for a second opinion. You may discover a slightly cheaper option or a clinic with payment plans tailored to your budget.
• Focus on prevention: Keep up with vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and routine check-ups – these often cost less in the long run compared to treating advanced diseases.
• Discuss a cost breakdown: Your vet should be able to provide an itemised estimate of charges for any treatment. Don’t hesitate to discuss finances; many clinics are used to working out alternative treatment paths or scheduling follow-up payments.
• Use generic medicines where possible: Generic versions of some veterinary drugs can reduce your bills, so always ask if there’s an equivalent to the brand-name prescriptions.

By keeping these strategies in mind, you’ll stand a better chance of managing your vet bills without compromising your pet’s well-being.

Keep Reading: Learn more about how pet insurance can protect both your pet and your wallet.

While you may plan carefully for everyday expenses, accidents or serious illnesses can still create a lot of financial strain. Pet insurance can offer peace of mind by covering some of the higher vet costs, letting you focus on helping your pet recover instead of worrying about the bills. By comparing policies in advance, you can make sure the coverage you select fits both your budget and your pet’s unique health needs.

Choosi provides an easy way to compare a range of pet insurance options, from premium costs to coverage levels and exclusions. By choosing wisely, you’ll feel more confident handling the unexpected, knowing your furry friend has access to quality care – no matter what life throws their way.