PetQuick Answer
Routine vet care in Canada runs from about $55 for a basic exam to a few hundred dollars for a sick visit — but the bills that matter are the big ones. Emergency visits run $500–$5,000, and major events like cancer treatment ($3,000–$15,000+), cruciate surgery ($4,000–$8,000 all-in) or a foreign-object removal ($2,000–$10,000) can clear five figures fast. Below is a price list of the procedures that drive the biggest bills, each with a detailed cited guide. (Figures are estimates compiled from public Canadian sources; actual cost varies by clinic, city and case.)
Veterinary care in Canada is expensive and getting more expensive. We cover the procedures that drive the biggest bills — and the ones pet insurance is most likely to pay for. Here's the at-a-glance price list, then the full directory of procedure guides. Once you've seen what a serious bill looks like, our honest take on whether pet insurance is worth it works through the math for your own pet.
For the analytical view — costs grouped by financial tier, the headline averages Canadians actually spend, regional differences, and our full sourcing method — see the Canadian Vet Cost Index.
Start here — our most important guides
- Best pet insurance in Canada — our flagship comparison
- Cheapest pet insurance in Canada
- Is pet insurance worth it? — the honest math
- Cancer treatment cost — the biggest bill of all
- ACL / cruciate surgery cost and emergency vet visit cost
- Free pet insurance buyer’s guide — plain-English, with a fill-in comparison worksheet
- 2026 Canadian Vet Cost Report — our citable data study
- How we review and about PetAssured
Vet costs by province
Veterinary fees aren't set by government in Canada — they vary by province and city. These provincial guides give realistic CAD ranges and explain what drives them:
Canadian veterinary price list: what common procedures cost (2026)
This is a quick-reference veterinary price list for the procedures that drive the biggest bills in Canada. Each row links to a detailed, cited guide with the full breakdown.
📥 Download this price list as a CSV (free, cited — 46 procedures).
| Procedure | Estimated cost (CAD) | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Routine / sick vet visit | ~$55–$500+ | Average vet visit |
| Spay / neuter | Dog ~$200–$600; cat ~$100–$300 | Spay / neuter |
| C-section (dog) | Planned ~$700–$2,000; emergency ~$1,500–$4,000+ | Dog C-section |
| Dental cleaning | ~$650–$1,300 (city: $1,500–$3,500+) | Dental cleaning |
| Emergency vet visit | ~$500–$5,000 | Emergency visit |
| X-ray / radiograph | ~$200–$800 (with sedation) | Dog & cat X-ray |
| Hospitalization | Ward ~$200–$600/day; ICU ~$500–$2,000/day | Pet hospitalization |
| IV fluids | ~$60–$150 catheter + $50–$120/day | IV fluids |
| Endoscopy | ~$1,000–$3,000 | Dog & cat endoscopy |
| Foreign-object surgery | ~$2,000–$10,000 | Foreign-object surgery |
| Bloat (GDV) surgery | ~$2,500–$7,500+ (preventive gastropexy ~$800–$2,500) | Bloat (GDV) surgery |
| ACL / cruciate (TPLO) surgery | ~$3,000–$6,500/knee ($4,000–$8,000 all-in) | ACL surgery |
| Hip dysplasia surgery | FHO ~$1,200–$2,500; THR ~$6,000+/hip | Hip dysplasia |
| Hip replacement (THR) | ~$6,000–$12,000+/hip (FHO ~$1,500–$4,000) | Dog hip replacement |
| Luxating patella surgery (dog) | ~$1,500–$5,000/knee | Luxating patella |
| IVDD (disc) surgery | ~$4,000–$10,000 all-in | IVDD surgery |
| Broken bone / fracture repair | Splint ~$300–$1,000; surgery ~$2,000–$5,000+ | Broken bone / fracture |
| Cataract surgery (dog) | ~$3,500–$6,000/eye | Dog cataract surgery |
| Cataract surgery (cat) | ~$2,500–$5,500/eye | Cat cataract surgery |
| Cherry eye surgery | ~$500–$1,200/eye | Cherry eye surgery |
| Dog eye surgery (overview) | ~$500–$6,000/eye by procedure | Dog eye surgery cost |
| Cat eye surgery (overview) | ~$800–$5,500/eye by procedure | Cat eye surgery cost |
| Dog stomach surgery (overview) | ~$800–$10,000 by reason | Dog stomach surgery cost |
| Dog broken jaw repair | ~$1,500–$6,000+ | Dog broken jaw cost |
| Feline urinary blockage | ~$1,500–$4,000 | Feline urinary blockage |
| UTI treatment | ~$150–$500 | UTI treatment |
| Ear infection | ~$150–$400/episode | Ear infection |
| Kennel cough | ~$50–$300 | Kennel cough |
| Parvovirus treatment (puppy) | ~$1,000–$5,000 | Parvo treatment |
| Snake bite treatment | ~$2,000–$5,000+ | Snake bite |
| Cancer treatment | ~$3,000–$15,000+ per protocol | Cancer treatment |
| Dog chemotherapy | ~$200–$600/session; $3,000–$10,000+ protocol | Dog chemotherapy |
| Blood transfusion | ~$500–$1,500+ (usually part of a bigger emergency) | Blood transfusion |
| Biopsy (dog & cat) | ~$400–$2,500 (+ lab fees) | Biopsy |
| Fine needle aspiration (FNA) | ~$100–$400 (+ cytology) | Fine needle aspiration |
| Pet allergy treatment | ~$80–$200/month ($1,000–$3,000+/yr) | Pet allergy treatment |
| Allergy testing | Blood ~$200–$400; intradermal ~$400–$1,000+ | Allergy testing |
| Cat asthma | ~$200–$600 to diagnose + $20–$80/month | Cat asthma treatment |
| Diabetes treatment | ~$100–$300/month | Diabetes treatment |
| Cushing's disease treatment | Trilostane ~$80–$250/month; ~$1,500–$5,000+ yr 1 | Cushing's disease |
| Heart disease treatment | Diagnosis ~$500–$2,500; meds ~$50–$300/month | Heart disease treatment |
| Glaucoma treatment | Meds ~$50–$200/month; surgery ~$1,500–$4,000/eye | Glaucoma treatment |
| Cat hyperthyroidism | Methimazole ~$20–$35/month; radioiodine ~$1,400–$2,000 | Cat hyperthyroidism |
| Radioiodine (I-131) therapy (cats) | ~$2,000–$3,250 all-in | Radioiodine therapy |
| Cat kidney disease (CKD) | Early ~$600–$1,500/yr; advanced ~$3,000–$6,000+/yr | Cat kidney disease |
| Cat diabetes | ~$100–$300/month; first year ~$500–$1,500 | Cat diabetes |
| Cat tooth extraction | ~$50–$300+/tooth; with cleaning ~$1,500–$3,000+ | Cat tooth extraction |
| Kitten vaccinations & first-year vet care | Vaccine series ~$150–$250; first year ~$400–$900 | Kitten vaccinations |
| Puppy vaccinations & first-year vet care | Vaccine series ~$150–$300; first year ~$600–$1,500 | Puppy vaccinations |
| Pyometra surgery (emergency spay) | ~$2,000–$6,000+ | Pyometra surgery |
| Epilepsy / seizure treatment | Meds ~$50–$200/month; diagnosis ~$1,000–$3,000+ | Epilepsy treatment |
| Pancreatitis treatment | Mild ~$800–$2,000; severe ~$2,500–$5,000+ | Pancreatitis treatment |
| Lump / mass removal | Small ~$300–$800; larger ~$800–$2,500+ (+ lab) | Lump / mass removal |
| Arthritis / osteoarthritis treatment | ~$50–$250/month (Librela/Solensia ~$40–$120/mo) | Arthritis treatment |
| Ultrasound / echocardiogram | ~$300–$800 (echo/specialist $400–$900+) | Ultrasound |
| CT scan | ~$1,500–$3,000+ | Dog & cat CT scan |
| MRI | ~$2,000–$4,000+ | Dog & cat MRI |
| Wound / laceration repair | Minor ~$200–$600; deep ~$1,500–$2,500+ | Wound / laceration repair |
| Dog tooth extraction | ~$500–$3,000+ (with dental) | Dog tooth extraction |
| Ear (aural) hematoma | ~$300–$1,500 (drain vs surgery) | Aural hematoma |
| Porcupine quill removal | ~$200–$2,000 (by quill load) | Porcupine quills |
| Poisoning / toxin treatment | ~$250–$5,000+ (by toxin & speed) | Poisoning treatment |
| Vomiting & diarrhea (gastroenteritis) | ~$150–$2,000 | Vomiting & diarrhea |
| Hernia repair | ~$300–$3,000+ (by type) | Hernia repair |
| Cat surgery (overview) | ~$100–$5,000+ (by procedure) | Cat surgery cost |
| Abscess treatment | ~$150–$2,000 | Abscess treatment |
| Deworming | ~$20–$80 per treatment | Deworming |
Ranges are estimates compiled from public Canadian veterinary pricing and our individual guides — they are not quotes. Costs vary significantly by clinic, city, your pet's size, and complications. Veterinary fees aren't regulated in Canada, so two clinics a few kilometres apart can quote very different numbers. Each procedure below has its own detailed guide with cited figures.
All procedure guides
🧮 Canadian Vet Cost Estimator
Free tool: estimate a vet bill by procedure and region — and see your out-of-pocket with insurance.
📊 2026 Canadian Vet Cost Report
Key findings, methodology, and free-to-cite data on what Canadian vet care costs.
Cat surgery cost
$100–$5,000+ by procedure — from a routine spay to an emergency blockage.
Cat & dog abscess cost
$150–$2,000 — the classic cat-fight bite abscess, and even accident-only covers it.
Deworming cost
$20–$80 per treatment — cheap, routine, and why base insurance won't pay for it.
Pet poisoning / toxin treatment cost
$250–$5,000+ — chocolate, xylitol, antifreeze — and even accident-only covers it.
Vomiting & diarrhea vet cost
The most common vet visit — $150–$2,000, and why accident-only won't pay.
Hernia repair cost
$300–$3,000+ by type — and the congenital-exclusion catch most owners miss.
Dog tooth extraction cost
$500–$3,000+ under anesthesia — and the disease-vs-cleaning insurance line.
Ear (aural) hematoma cost
$300–$1,500 to fix — plus the ear infection behind it that keeps it recurring.
Porcupine quill removal cost
The classic Canadian accident — $200–$2,000, and even accident-only covers it.
Lymphoma (dog)
The most common canine cancer — $6,000–$12,000+ chemo, and the lower-cost options.
Osteosarcoma / bone cancer (dog)
$6,000–$14,000+ for amputation plus chemo in big breeds — or a palliative path.
Perianal fistula (dog)
The German Shepherd immune condition — $150–$400+/month, often for life.
Gallbladder mucocele surgery (dog)
The $4,000–$9,000+ cholecystectomy — and why catching it before rupture matters.
Liver shunt surgery (dog)
A congenital $3,000–$8,000+ diagnosis-and-surgery — the sharpest insure-young case.
Megaesophagus (dog)
Managed with upright feeding — but each aspiration pneumonia is $2,000–$5,000+.
Brachycephalic (BOAS) airway surgery
Flat-faced breeds — the $2,500–$6,000+ nose-and-palate surgery, and why insure early.
Tracheal collapse (dog)
The small-breed honking cough — years of management, then a $4,000–$8,000+ stent.
Elbow dysplasia (dog)
$3,000–$6,000+ per elbow — often both — plus lifelong arthritis in big breeds.
IMHA (immune-mediated anemia, dog)
One of the priciest canine emergencies — ICU, transfusions, and months of meds.
Laryngeal paralysis (dog)
The $3,000–$6,000+ tie-back surgery — and the breathing-crisis emergency risk.
Giardia treatment (dog/cat)
Cheap to treat, annoying to clear — why reinfection and multi-pet homes cost more.
Mast cell tumor (dog)
The most common dog skin cancer — why grade and margins drive the cost.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
The $3,000–$6,000+ ICU emergency behind uncontrolled diabetes.
Cat megacolon
Chronic, severe constipation — managed monthly or fixed by surgery.
Splenectomy / splenic mass (dog)
Often a sudden emergency in older dogs — and ~half are cancer.
Entropion surgery (dog)
Inward-rolling eyelid — and the hereditary-coverage catch.
Ringworm
A contagious fungus (not a worm) — cheap solo, costly in multi-pet homes.
Addison's disease (dog)
Lifelong but very manageable — plus the emergency-crisis risk.
Corneal (eye) ulcer
Cheap if caught early, sight-threatening surgery if not.
Hypothyroidism (dog)
One of the most affordable chronic conditions — a cheap daily pill.
Leg amputation
Cost, recovery (pets do great on three legs), and the cancer angle.
Preventive gastropexy
Stops deadly bloat in big breeds — cheap with a neuter, but elective.
Hot spots & skin infection
Cheap once, costly when it recurs — and the allergy exclusion trap.
Pet surgery cost (overview)
What dog & cat surgery costs, what drives the bill, and every procedure guide.
FIP treatment (cats)
Once fatal, now often curable — what the antiviral course costs.
Heartworm treatment (dog)
A serious, weeks-long treatment — and why prevention wins.
Anal gland abscess
From a $20 expression to a $600 abscess or surgery.
Euthanasia & aftercare
An honest, gentle breakdown of end-of-life costs and choices.
Bladder stones surgery
Cystotomy cost, the non-surgical options, and the male-cat emergency.
Lyme disease treatment (dog)
A growing Canadian tick risk — cheap to treat, costly if kidneys are hit.
ACL / cruciate surgery (dog)
One of the top three claim categories for every Canadian insurer.
Emergency vet visit
What walking into a 24-hour animal hospital actually costs.
Foreign object surgery
When your pet swallows something it shouldn't.
Dog stomach surgery cost
Swallowed objects, bloat (GDV), and tumours — the emergency price list.
Cat eye surgery cost
Enucleation, corneal, cataract, and glaucoma — by procedure, per eye.
Dog broken jaw cost
Jaw fracture repair by severity — and why it's a clean accident claim.
Dental cleaning
One of the most under-budgeted routine procedures.
Pet cancer treatment
The single most financially devastating diagnosis a pet owner can face.
Dog chemotherapy cost
Per-session and full-protocol costs — and why most dogs tolerate it well.
Blood transfusion cost
The transfusion is cheap — the emergency behind it is the bill.
Allergy testing cost
Blood vs skin testing — and the immunotherapy it leads to.
Cat asthma treatment cost
A lifelong monthly cost — with pricey emergency flare-ups.
Dog & cat biopsy cost
Aspirate vs surgical biopsy — the gateway test before a cancer bill.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cost
The cheapest, anesthesia-free first step to test a lump — before a biopsy.
Average vet visit cost
What routine, sick, and emergency visits actually cost in Canada.
Hip dysplasia treatment cost
From conservative care to total hip replacement — what each path costs.
Dog hip replacement cost
Total hip replacement vs the cheaper FHO — and the pre-existing trap for big breeds.
Luxating patella surgery cost
The small-breed kneecap fix — common, often bilateral, and a pre-existing trap.
IVDD (disc) surgery cost
The dachshund spinal emergency — MRI plus surgery runs into five figures.
Ear infection treatment cost
Cheap individually, costly when chronic — and why allergies are the real bill.
Pet allergy treatment cost
The biggest pre-existing-condition trap in pet insurance.
UTI treatment cost
Cheap for a single episode; potentially emergency-grade for male cats.
Feline urinary blockage cost
The male-cat emergency that justifies coverage on its own.
Parvo treatment cost (puppies)
One of the most expensive emergencies a puppy can have.
Kennel cough treatment cost
Usually cheap and self-resolving — but watch for progression.
Bloat (GDV) surgery cost
One of the largest emergency bills in veterinary medicine.
Diabetes treatment cost
A lifelong recurring cost — and a classic pre-existing trap.
Cushing's disease treatment cost
Lifelong daily trilostane and monitoring — a senior-dog chronic cost.
Broken bone / fracture repair cost
From a simple splint to surgical plating — and accident coverage.
Spay / neuter cost
What it costs — and why base insurance usually won't pay for it.
Dog C-section cost
Planned vs emergency — and the breeding exclusion most owners miss.
Cherry eye surgery cost
Common in prone breeds, and a textbook early-enrolment case.
Heart disease treatment cost
A chronic, lifelong cost — diagnostics, daily meds, and monitoring.
Cat hyperthyroidism cost
Common in senior cats — medication vs the potentially curative radioiodine.
Radioiodine therapy for cats cost
The gold-standard, often curative cure for feline hyperthyroidism — and its price.
Cat kidney disease (CKD) cost
The most common senior-cat condition — a lifelong, stage-by-stage management cost.
Cat diabetes treatment cost
Daily insulin, diet, and monitoring — and the cat-specific chance of remission.
Cat tooth extraction cost
Tooth resorption makes extractions the most common feline dental surgery.
Kitten vaccinations & first-year cost
The full first-year vet budget — shots, tests, spay/neuter — and why to insure early.
Glaucoma treatment cost
An eye emergency and a lifelong condition — often bilateral.
Dog cataract surgery cost
Specialist phacoemulsification per eye — and the hereditary-coverage angle.
Cat cataract surgery cost
Specialist surgery per eye — often secondary to diabetes or uveitis.
Snake bite treatment cost
Rare in Canada, but a major bill in rattlesnake country.
Dog & cat X-ray cost
The most common diagnostic — and why sedation drives the price.
Pet hospitalization cost
Ward vs ICU day rates — how a multi-day stay adds up fast.
IV fluids cost
Cheap in the bag — but the hospital stay they come with drives the bill.
Dog & cat endoscopy cost
Scoping and foreign-body retrieval — the less invasive alternative to surgery.
Puppy vaccinations & first-year cost
The full first-year vet budget — shots, deworming, spay/neuter — and why to insure early.
Pyometra surgery cost
The emergency spay in unspayed females — and why spaying prevents it outright.
Epilepsy / seizure treatment cost
A lifelong monthly cost with emergency spikes — the clearest early-enrolment case.
Pancreatitis treatment cost
Mild to severe — and a condition that recurs, making an uninsured first attack costly.
Lump / mass removal cost
The classic reason owners buy insurance too late — a mass already found is excluded.
Arthritis treatment cost
A lifelong monthly cost almost every senior pet faces — and a pre-existing trap.
Ultrasound & echocardiogram cost
Often the first pricey step in a work-up — covered when the condition isn't pre-existing.
Dog & cat CT scan cost
The 3-D scan for complex fractures and tumours — faster and cheaper than an MRI.
Dog & cat MRI cost
The detailed brain-and-spine scan — the pricey first step in a neurological work-up.
Wound / laceration repair cost
An accident even accident-only policies cover — if you enrolled before it happened.