Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs and cats. For a one-off, treatment is straightforward and relatively cheap. The real costs come from recurrent cases — particularly in cats, where untreated cystitis or stones can become a true emergency.
What it costs in Canada
| Scenario | Typical cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Exam | Standard appointment fee |
| Urinalysis (in-clinic) | Low |
| Urine culture (when sent out) | Moderate — sometimes required for recurring UTIs |
| Antibiotic course | Low |
| Recheck and follow-up urinalysis | Low |
| Typical single-episode total | Usually one of the cheapest treated illnesses |
| Recurrent UTI work-up (imaging, bloodwork) | Moderate to high |
| Urinary stones (surgical removal) | Major surgery cost |
| Feline urinary obstruction (emergency) | Genuine emergency — hospitalization required |
In male cats, a urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency that can run as much as a major surgery. Owners often confuse blockage symptoms with constipation. If a cat is straining without producing urine, go to emergency immediately.
With insurance vs paying out of pocket
| Scenario | You pay | Insurer pays |
|---|---|---|
| No insurance | Full bill each visit | $0 |
| Comprehensive policy (simple UTI) | May not hit deductible — single UTI often less than annual deductible | Limited reimbursement on small bills |
| Comprehensive policy (urinary surgery / feline obstruction) | Deductible + your reimbursement share | Reimburses 70–90% on the major bill |
| Wellness add-on only | Full bill — UTIs are treatments, not preventives | $0 from wellness portion |
Considering insurance?
If you have a male cat or a senior female dog, urinary issues are one of the biggest reasons comprehensive insurance is worth it — the rare but catastrophic case (blockage, stones) wipes out years of premiums in one visit. Compare Canadian insurers focused on illness coverage.