Veterinary expenses can add up quickly. However, in some cities, the cost of veterinary care tends to be on the higher end in comparison. Pet owners spend approximately $58 billion a year on their pets. A large portion of this spending can be attributed to veterinary care. The cost of veterinary care depends heavily upon the hospital or clinic itself and geographic location. Read below as we break down why certain cities are more expensive when it comes to veterinary care.Â
1. New York City, New York
Due to the nature of living in a big city and the cost of living including everything from housing and groceries to transportation, veterinary costs are naturally higher in New York City.Â
CCL surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in dogs. The average cost of TPLO surgery in the United States ranges from $3,500-5,000. However, in New York City you can expect to pay around $6,350.Â
2. San Francisco, California
The cost of living and housing costs in San Francisco can be rather astronomical, attributing to why the cost of veterinary care is more expensive as well.Â
The average cost of a dog spay surgery in the United States is $400. However, in San Francisco, you can expect to pay upwards of $875 for a spay surgery depending on a number of variables.Â
3. Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. can be a very expensive place to live due to the high seven-figure level salaries that are earned by many lawyers and lobbyists. In addition, real estate is typically in short supply and food costs are among the highest in the country.Â
The typical cost of a mast cell tumor removal ranges from $500-1,000, however, in Washington D.C., you may be looking at upwards of $1,500 for the same procedure.Â
4. Irvine, California
Irvine is located within Orange County, which tends to be a pricier region in general. House prices are driven up by the desirable K-12 schools in the area and the University of California Irvine. These housing prices drive up all living costs in the area with veterinary care being no exception.Â
Cataract surgery is a rather common practice in veterinary medicine. On average, this procedure costs about $3,500. This average cost includes the initial exam, ERG and ultrasound, surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, medications, and postoperative checkups. In Irvine, cataract surgery may cost closer to $4,000 on average.
5. Anaheim, California
Just like Irvine, Anaheim also resides within Orange County. It may be home to the Happiest Place on Earth but maybe not so happy if you’re a pet owner. Living in Anaheim offers residents an urban-suburban feel which is in high demand, once again driving up general costs of living.Â
A total hip replacement for dogs is a rather pricey but commonly performed procedure in veterinary medicine. There is a large cost range from $3,500-$7,000 per hip considering the dog’s condition, size, age, and overall health. In Anaheim, you’ll be facing a price on the higher end of the range.Â
