Dealing with a pet-related emergency is nerve-wracking. Once the emergency vet bill is added to the scenario, things get even more complicated.
In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will talk about the average cost of an emergency vet visit and what to do in case the veterinary bill exceeds your budget limit.
Stop Googling - Ask a Real Vet
Content:
How Much Is an Emergency Vet Visit
An emergency vet visit is pricey, often costing “from as little as a few hundred to easily a few thousand dollars,” elaborates MetLife Pet Insurance.
Based on estimations by Emergency Vets USA, a wound treatment costs $800 to $2500, oxygen therapy costs $500 to $3000, and an emergency surgery can cost $1500 to $5000.
Naomi Strollo, an RVT with over two decades of veterinary experience, explains that the price of emergency vet services can be jaw-dropping.
In an article for Kinship, she says, “Financially, the cost of treatment can be as traumatic as the illness.”
When it comes to emergency vet visits, a Reddit user warns, “Generally, their visitation fees cost three times more than regular vet fees.”
Plus, emergency veterinary bills are rising. The cost of a common emergency surgery (such as pyometra) during regular hours is 27% more expensive today compared to last year, according to a 2024 study by Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Emergency Vet Bill
If you can’t pay your emergency vet bill, do not fret - veterinarians do not seize pets over unpaid receipts. Stay calm and consider the following options.
- Request an Estimate. Treatment cost is discussed in 29% of veterinary visits, reports a 2009 JAVMA study. Due to the lack of alternatives and time for comparison shopping in times of emergencies, the percentage can be even lower. However, you should ask for an estimate before agreeing on a care plan just to be prepared.
- Talk to the Veterinarian. Ask the vet about an installment payment plan to ease your financial burden. Payment plans are not readily available; however, they are possible in some clinics, and it is worth asking.
- Use a Credit Card. Use your regular credit card or a special CareCredit to split the cost of the treatment into more affordable monthly payments. CareCredit is convenient since it covers a lot, from routine checkups to emergency vet procedures.
- Consider Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular option for collecting money and covering sky-high veterinary bills. All you need to do is set up a page on a trusted online fundraiser, like, for example, GoFundMe or Waggle (a pet-specific platform that equivalents GoFundMe).
- Prepare in Advance. Invest in an emergency fund or pet insurance. We recommend the Petcube Emergency Fund. The fund covers $3,000 in emergency vet bills and unlimited online vet access. Clicking this link grants you a 27% discount on the fund. Alternatively, get pet insurance. Many insurance companies are offering policies for pets.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, vets cannot seize pets for unpaid bills but can send your payments to a collection agency, negatively affecting your credit score.
Therefore, being prepared is the best option. By being prepared, we mean gradually investing in a pet insurance plan with good coverage or having a comprehensive emergency pet fund.
Was this article helpful?
Help us make our articles even better
