Dog Surgery Costs: Average Prices & Financial Assistance Options

Dogs offer unconditional love and companionship, which is priceless. But sometimes they get hurt or sick, which can require surgery — and that comes at a cost.

For some people, dog surgery costs aren't an issue, but for most of us, these unexpected bills can quickly derail our budgets. In this article, we'll discuss the average costs of some of the most common dog surgeries and share six options for how to pay for them.

In this article

• How much does it cost to care for a dog?
• Dog ACL and CCL surgery cost
• Dog cataract surgery cost
• Dog herniated disc surgery cost
• Dog hip replacement cost
• Dog intestinal blockage surgery cost
• Dog stomach flip surgery cost
• Paying for dog surgery: 6 options
• FAQs

How much does it cost to care for a dog?

The expenses of having a dog go beyond the initial cost to buy it from the breeder, pet store, pound, or adoption agency. Ongoing costs of caring for a dog include food, regular wellness checkups, collars and leashes, and more. Regular vaccinations for heartworm and other diseases are also necessary to keep your dog healthy. Many pet owners also spay or neuter their pets, which are one-time expenses.

According to a recent FinanceBuzz survey, 64% of dog owners pay over $200 per year on routine pet care. While this reflects routine expenses, the cost to own a dog can increase dramatically if your pet gets sick or injured. We all hope that nothing bad ever happens to our pets, but accidents happen and some illnesses are common to certain breeds.

Let's take a look at some of the most common dog surgeries and the average cost for those procedures.

Dog ACL and CCL surgery cost

Average cost: $1,000 to $3,000 per knee

When a dog injures its anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or canine cruciate ligament (CCL), the costs can quickly escalate. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may be minor (drugs, supplements, and rehab) or quite extensive (surgery). Common ACL and CCL surgery methods include extra-capsular repair, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), and triple tibial osteotomy (TTO). The TPLO and TTO methods are the most complex, which typically results in a higher total cost.

Dog cataract surgery cost

Average cost: $2,600 to $4,000

Cataracts tend to affect older dogs most often, however, some younger dogs can have cataracts too. This affliction can affect a pet's ability to see and harm their quality of life. Surgery may be required to remove cataracts and restore the dog's vision. If your pet requires a brief hospital stay, the price could potentially increase.

Dog herniated disc surgery cost

Average cost: $1,500 to $4,000

When a disc becomes herniated, it may affect your dog's ability to walk and their well-being. Although there are some non-surgical treatments, surgery is often considered the best option to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and restore normal blood flow. Your pet will undergo sedation so the vets can operate on this sensitive area of the body.

Dog hip replacement cost

Average cost: $3,500 to $7,000 per hip

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common canine skeletal conditions. Larger breeds are the most often affected due to the impact of their size and weight and joints. Depending on the age of your pet, different surgical treatments may be used to treat this condition. Surgery for younger dogs tends to focus on repairing the hip socket, whereas a total hip replacement is usually the approach for older dogs. Full hip replacements are generally the most expensive surgery.

Dog intestinal blockage surgery cost

Average cost: Up to $7,000

Some dogs will eat anything. Unfortunately, that also includes rocks and other items that can cause an intestinal blockage. What seemed like a good idea to your dog can turn into pain, bloating, vomiting, and lethargy. If left untreated, an intestinal blockage can lead to death. Removing the blockage includes x-rays, bloodwork, and surgery.

Dog stomach flip surgery cost

Average cost: $1,500 to $7,500

When a dog's stomach becomes bloated due to gas, food, or liquid, that bloat can lead to a stomach flip. This is a life-threatening emergency for dogs because it can prevent food from moving from the stomach into the intestines.

Paying for dog surgery: 6 options

Pet insurance coverage

One of the most popular ways to cover your dog against major vet bills is to purchase a pet insurance policy. These health insurance policies for pets cover many of the medical costs associated with wellness visits, illnesses, and injuries in exchange for your monthly premium. Some policies are charged directly by the vet, whereas others require you to pay the veterinary bills upfront then request reimbursement.

The coverages, deductibles, and premiums vary for pet insurance companies, so it makes sense to compare pricing before making your purchase. Some of the best pet insurance companies include Healthy Paws, Embrace, and ASPCA.