How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

An emergency vet visit is a trip to a veterinarian or animal hospital with professionals who specialize in emergency veterinary care. When unexpected health issues strike, a visit to an emergency vet may be unavoidable. But how much does an emergency vet visit cost, and what can you do to reduce the price of care? Let’s take a closer look.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost on average?

An average trip to the emergency vet could cost pet owners anywhere from $150 to $1,000, depending on the issue at hand.

For most basic emergencies – that is, those where your pet can be treated and released within the same day – you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.

But how much does an emergency vet visit cost if your pet needs advanced treatment services? Let’s break down some estimates of the cost of some common interventions used in emergency care:

Vet Exam: $150 to $250
Basic Blood Work: $50 to $200
Basic Imaging: $150 to $700
Hospitalization: $2,000 to $3,000
Emergency Surgery: $2,000 to $5,000+

Emergency Vet vs. Regular Vet Costs

In most cases, a trip to the emergency vet will cost more than a trip to your regular vet. The average cost for a regular vet visit in the US is about $61. However, you can generally expect to pay more than this for an emergency, even if the treatment your pet receives is fairly straightforward.

There are a few reasons this tends to be true:

Emergency vet clinics often offer more advanced treatment options and diagnostics, allowing them to deliver life-saving care
Vets and staff at emergency clinics have advanced training and skills
An emergency visit may come with access to veterinary specialists

Factors Affecting the Cost of ER Vet Visits

We know that the average emergency vet cost may vary, but what factors – other than your pet’s condition – can affect how much you’ll pay? Below are a few more key factors that might influence emergency vet prices:

Pet age
Type of animal
Breed
Gender
Age
Health history
Pet behavior: for example, pets that show aggressive behavior may require medication to calm down, which might increase the cost of care
Your location

How can I make ER vet visits more affordable?

Emergencies don’t follow a schedule. For many pet owners, emergency vet costs can seem legitimately cost-prohibitive. However, there are some ways you can reduce the cost of care.

In some cases, you might be able to get help with emergency vet bills by crowdfunding online or working with local charities and nonprofit organizations designed to support pets and their owners. In others, you can use options like those below to offset vet prices.

Pet Insurance

One of the best ways to ensure that you can access affordable emergency vet services is to plan wisely. Set up an insurance fund so that you have the money you need to cover vet costs at a moment’s notice.

Some pet owners choose to achieve this by setting up a savings account and depositing a set amount of money each month, creating a sort of “safety net.” Another option is pet insurance – just be sure to set it up early, before emergencies happen.

Payment Installments

Some emergency vet clinics may offer payment or installment plans via credit cards specifically designated for medical care that allow you to cover the cost of care over time. Instead of paying the entire amount due at once, you may be able to pay off your balance over a period of several months, often with zero or lower interest rates than traditional credit cards. Because they are limited to medical care, approval rates are also better with higher limits available if needed.

Preventative Care

Avoiding emergency care altogether will always be the best way to reduce its cost. While not all emergencies are avoidable, many can be mitigated with preventative care.

Be sure to take your furry friend to their regular vet visits, stay up to date on all vaccinations and medications, and bring up concerns to your vet before they evolve into something serious.

Looking for an Emergency Vet in Austin? Call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists

As we can see, there is no single answer to the question, “How much does an emergency vet visit cost?” It all depends on the situation, your pet, and the vet you visit. In general, though, you can expect to pay several hundred or even several thousand dollars for treatment.

The cost of care is nothing to scoff at, which is why it’s important to choose veterinary professionals who are reputable, reliable, and able to help you navigate your pet’s treatment journey.

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is an Emergency Vet Hospital offering emergency and Critical Care Treatment Services, including emergency surgery, to our community.

When you need access to a trustworthy Austin 24-hour vet and emergency treatment center, our team is here to help.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

10 Common Dog Eye Injuries to Watch for & When to Visit an Emergency Vet

March 25, 2025

What Causes Eye Injuries in Dogs? A dog eye injury can occur for a number of reasons, including: Fights: If your pet gets into a squabble with another, it may result in an eye injury. Foreign Objects: Dust, dirt, or small debris can easily make their way into your dog’s eyes. Aging: As dogs age, they are more likely to develop cataracts or dry eye. Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues can increase the risk of eye injuries. Accidents: Mishaps can happen. Even something as simple as playing rough can cause eye injuries.

A cat is being examined by a veterinarian with a stethoscope for Urinary Obstruction in Cats.

What is Urinary Obstruction in Cats?

By Kerry Chrapliwy • February 25, 2025

Keeping your cat’s litter box clean is essential for maintaining its long-term health. Even after meticulously scooping the urine clumps, replacing the litter once a week, and scrubbing every inch of the litter box every couple of weeks, your cat may still experience urinary issues. Urinary obstruction in cats is one of the more serious ailments affecting the urethra and requires urgent medical attention. What is Urinary Obstruction? Urinary obstruction in cats describes situations involving a partial or full blockage of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the cat’s external opening. You might hear your veterinarian call it a urethral blockage or urethral obstruction, and it’s one of the most common reasons for cats to see their vets. A urinary obstruction may be referred to as FLUTD, or feline lower urinary tract disease. You may also hear the term FIC, short for feline interstitial cystitis, which refers to inflammation of the bladder. Urinary obstructions are most common in young castrated male cats, but can occur in older pets and intact males as well. FIC is also much more common in cats younger than 10. Risks of Urinary Obstructions Urinating is a vital function for almost all creatures, as it eliminates waste and maintains appropriate levels of bodily fluids. Retaining urine can result in: Bladder tear (rupture) due to increased pressure Renal (kidney) damage or failure Heart problems due to electrolyte imbalances What Causes Urinary Obstructions in Cats? The inflammation that occurs with FIC is a common cause of urinary obstructions in cats. Two other ailments commonly associated with urinary obstructions are uroliths (bladder stones that can travel to the urethra) and urethral plugs, which consist of bodily crystals and mucus. Cancer is a rare cause of urinary obstructions. Preventing Urinary Obstruction Maintaining your cat’s general health, which involves regular vet check-ups, can reduce the chances of urinary obstructions. Ensuring your felines have access to enough water and food is also essential, as is helping them stay at healthy weights. Male cats are prone to urinary obstructions and other FLUTDs because their urethra is narrower and longer than those of female cats. Some cats who experience frequent urinary obstructions may benefit from a procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU), which widens the urethral opening. Treating Urinary Obstruction: When to See an Emergency Vet It’s a good idea to take your cat to a vet as soon as possible if you notice signs of urinary obstruction, as serious health problems can crop up within 12 hours or less. Untreated urinary obstructions can cause death in cats within 24 hours, so time is of the essence. Common symptoms of urinary obstructions in cats include: Frequent urination (more than four times per day) Weak urinary flow Urinating only a few drops at a time (or nothing at all) Bloody or cloudy urine Vocalizing or crying out while urinating Straining while urinating Urinating outside of the litter box Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Decreased appetite Excessive licking of their genitals If you suspect your cat is exhibiting these symptoms but aren’t sure, we strongly recommend erring on the side of caution and bringing them to a vet as soon as possible. Depending on the location of the litter box, it may be difficult to tell whether your cat is having trouble peeing or not urinating at all. Your vet may insert a catheter to drain the backed-up urine, and your cat may need to take medications for a few days.

How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?