Understanding The Costs Of Pet Care

Caring for our furry friends is one of life’s greatest joys – but it’s no secret that the cost of veterinary care can sometimes come as a surprise. We believe in open conversations about pet health and the value of veterinary services, so here’s a breakdown of common expenses and range of costs for procedures at the vet.

Average Veterinary Costs In Melbourne

Throughout Melbourne, prices on veterinary treatment will vary depending on the clinic, location, and complexity of treatment, but here are some common averages:

• Routine Consultations - $70 - $120 per visit
• Extended / Specialist Consultations - $150 - $250
• Annual Vaccinations - $100–$200 (dogs & cats)
• Microchipping - $60-$100
• Desexing cost varies depending on age, size, sex
  • Cats: $400+
  • Dogs: $600 - $1600+
• Dental Care
  
  • Basic scale & polish: $900 - $1300+
  • Advanced dental work / extractions: $1800-$3000+
• Diagnostic Imaging
  
  • X-rays: $400+
  • Ultrasound: $800+
  • Blood tests: $200+
• Surgery
  
  • Lump removal: $1,600+
  • Cruciate ligament repair: $5,500+
  • Fracture repair: $5,000-$6,000+
• Emergency Care
  
  • Emergency consult (after-hours): $200-$400
  • Overnight hospitalisation: $600-$1,200 per night
  • Intensive care: $1,500-$3,000+

Please note: The above prices are guided averages based on Melbourne veterinary costs and are provided to help pet owners budget for their pet’s care. These figures are not specific to our practice and actual fees may vary depending on your pet’s size, health needs, and the complexity of treatment. We’re always happy to provide a tailored estimate for your pet’s care - just ask our team

‍Why Does Veterinary Care Cost What It Does?

Behind every check-up or surgery is a highly skilled team, advanced medical equipment, sterile environments, medications, and years of training. Veterinary care is comparable to human healthcare - just without the Medicare safety net.

In many cases, your pet will be able to receiver all of their care within the one GP practice. In order to achieve this, veterinary practices are required to not only have general practice equipment used within a consultation room and an on site pharmacy, they are also required to have advanced hospital equipment such as anaesthetic machines, diagnostic machines (x-ray, ultrasound), dental machines, surgical equipment (including specialist equipment for orthopaedic surgeries) etc.

Average Pet Cost Per Year

A recent survey into average pet costs found that in Melbourne, owners are spending the following on their pets annually.

Dogs
Between $3,200 to $4,250 per year, covering essentials like food, vet care, grooming, insurance, and accessories

‍Cats
Between $2,100 to $2,700 per year, depending on health needs and lifestyle.