How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

Updated 2026-08-15 · Typical US ranges · Prices vary by region and clinic

An emergency vet visit — the exam plus after-hours fees — typically runs $100 to $300. The national average ER exam alone is $135 for dogs and $143 for cats, ranging from about $100 to $260, and visits usually start around $150 once emergency surcharges are included.

Typical low$100

Typical high$300

What’s included in the range?

Covers the emergency/after-hours exam fee at a 24/7 ER hospital; blood work ($80–$200), imaging ($150–$600), hospitalization, and emergency surgery ($2,000–$5,000+) are billed on top.

What affects the price

After-hours, holiday, and weekend surcharges — emergency clinics charge premiums for 24/7 staffing
Location — ER exam averages range from about $107 to $246 by state, higher in cities like California and Hawaii
Species and size — cat exams average slightly higher than dogs; larger dogs cost more for meds and imaging
Diagnostics and treatment — most of the bill comes from blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, fluids, and hospitalization
Type of emergency — poisonings, obstructions, and surgeries can turn a visit into a multi-thousand-dollar bill

Questions to ask your vet

What does the emergency exam fee include, and is there an additional after-hours surcharge?
Can you give me a written estimate before running tests or starting treatment?
What are the must-do diagnostics versus optional ones, and what does each cost?
Do you require payment upfront or offer payment plans, and do you accept pet insurance claims?

Frequently asked questions

Why does the emergency vet cost more than my regular vet?

Emergency hospitals are open 24/7 with specially trained staff, pay shift premiums, and maintain expensive equipment (ultrasounds, oxygen cages, ICU) — and after-hours care carries built-in surcharges that regular daytime visits don't.

How much should I save for a pet emergency?

Plan for at least $1,000–$2,000 as a starting emergency fund — the exam alone is $100–$300, but common emergencies like poisoning ($250–$5,000) or surgery ($2,000–$5,000) are far more expensive.

Will my pet insurance cover an emergency vet visit?

Usually yes — emergency exams, diagnostics, and treatment are covered by most accident-and-illness policies once your deductible is met, though you'll typically pay the clinic upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.

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Sources

CareCredit
The national average cost* of an ER exam for dogs is $135, but it could range from $107 to $246 depending on a number of factors. For cats, the average cost* for an ER visit $143, with a range of $113 to $260.
WebMD
Exam: $100-$150; Basic blood work: $80-$200; Basic imaging (X-rays or ultrasound): $150-$600; Hospitalization of 3 to 5 days: $2,000-$3,500; Emergency surgery: $2,000-$5,000
Pawlicy Advisor
Emergency visits usually start around $150 and can climb well above $1,000.