UK vet prices in 2026: what you'll actually pay
Vet prices in the UK vary wildly — sometimes 200–300% between practices for the same procedure. This guide uses 2026 prices from the major chains (Vets4Pets, Medivet, Companion Care, Pets at Home Vet Group) and a sample of independent practices, so you can budget accurately.
Consultations
| Type | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard consultation (10–15 min) | £40 | £55 | £75 |
| Extended consultation (20–30 min) | £55 | £75 | £110 |
| Out-of-hours emergency | £150 | £220 | £350 |
| Specialist referral consultation | £200 | £285 | £400 |
| Nurse clinic (vaccinations, nail trim) | £15 | £25 | £40 |
| Telemedicine video consult | £20 | £30 | £50 |
Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dog first course (DHP + Lepto, two visits) | £60–£110 |
| Dog annual booster (DHP + Lepto) | £50–£80 |
| Kennel cough (intranasal) | £25–£55 |
| Rabies (for pet passport) | £50–£80 |
| Cat first course (two visits) | £50–£90 |
| Cat annual booster | £40–£70 |
| Cat leukaemia (FeLV) | £35–£55 |
Low-cost vaccine clinics (Pets at Home, RSPCA, Cats Protection) charge £15–£25 for first courses and £18–£30 for boosters — same vaccines, less paperwork overhead.
Neutering and surgery
| Procedure | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat castration | £40 | £70 | £130 |
| Cat spay | £60 | £110 | £200 |
| Dog castration (small) | £120 | £200 | £320 |
| Dog castration (large) | £180 | £280 | £450 |
| Dog spay (small) | £180 | £280 | £450 |
| Dog spay (large) | £250 | £400 | £650 |
| Rabbit neutering | £60 | £100 | £180 |
| Cruciate ligament surgery | £2,500 | £4,000 | £6,500 |
| Foreign body removal | £2,000 | £3,500 | £5,500 |
| Mass/tumour removal | £400 | £900 | £2,000+ |
Dental
| Procedure | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental scale & polish (no extractions) | £200 | £300 | £450 |
| Dental with 1–3 extractions | £280 | £450 | £700 |
| Dental with 4–10 extractions | £400 | £650 | £1,000 |
| Full mouth extractions (cat) | £500 | £850 | £1,500 |
Dental always requires a general anaesthetic. The anaesthetic itself is £150–£300 of the bill. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests are £40–£90 extra but strongly recommended for older pets.
Diagnostic tests
| Test | Cost |
|---|---|
| Blood test (in-house, basic panel) | £40–£90 |
| Blood test (full biochemistry + haematology) | £80–£180 |
| Urine test | £25–£55 |
| X-ray (single view) | £80–£150 |
| X-ray (multiple views) | £150–£280 |
| Ultrasound | £150–£300 |
| MRI | £1,500–£2,500 |
| CT scan | £1,200–£2,000 |
| Biopsy + histopathology | £150–£350 |
Medications (typical monthly costs)
| Condition | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Arthritis pain relief (dog) | £25–£60 |
| Heart medication (pimobendan) | £40–£90 |
| Epilepsy medication (phenobarbital) | £15–£35 |
| Thyroid medication (cat, methimazole) | £25–£60 |
| Prescription kidney diet | £50–£90 |
| Antibiotic course (7–14 days) | £20–£60 |
| Flea/worming (3-month supply) | £15–£40 |
How to save on vet bills
1. Use a low-cost vaccine clinic (Pets at Home, RSPCA, Cats Protection) for routine jabs — saves £20–£50 per visit.
2. Ask for a written prescription (around £15) and buy meds from an online pharmacy like Pets Pharmacy or Animed — saves 30–60% on long-term meds.
3. Compare pet insurance annually at renewal — see our 2026 insurance comparison.
4. Set up a direct debit health plan with your vet (£15–£30/month) — covers vaccinations, flea/worming, and 10–20% off other treatments.
Emergency vet costs: what to expect
Out-of-hours emergencies cost more because the vet has to staff the clinic overnight and on weekends. Common emergencies and 2026 prices:
- Blocked bladder (cat): £800–£2,500 to unblock and hospitalise 24–48 hours
- GDV / bloat (dog): £2,500–£5,500 for emergency surgery
- Foreign body removal (dog): £2,000–£4,500 surgery + hospitalisation
- Hit by car: £500–£6,000+ depending on injuries
- Pyometra (unsprayed female): £1,200–£3,500 emergency spay
- Snake bite / adder bite: £400–£1,500 for antivenom + supportive care
This is exactly the scenario good pet insurance exists for. Lifetime policies with £7,000+ vet fee limits will cover most emergencies.