Skip to main content

These dog and cat breeds have the most expensive vet bills

Looking for an affordable vet? These pet breeds rack up the highest bills

We spend a lot of money on our pets. Between their favorite toys, dog training classes, the ever-growing expense of dog and cat food, vet bills, and pet insurance, there are so many costs involved with having a pet. (Of course, they’re totally worth it.) While there are ways to mitigate veterinary and other costs associated with pet ownership, did you know that vet bills are higher for certain breeds? We dig into the details of a recent report from Forbes Advisor — where does your pup’s breed fall on the list?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to a Forbes Advisor survey, dog parents spend approximately $730 per year on their pups. Nearly half of respondents said the majority of the expense goes to dog food, while some 28% attributed the most expensive costs to vet bills and vaccinations.

Recommended Videos

This is pretty troubling when you consider that 63% of survey respondents reported they would have trouble paying a surprise vet bill in today’s economic climate; Some 42% said a vet bill of $999 or less would cause them to go into debt, while 28% reported that a smaller bill of $499 or less would do the same. Finding an affordable vet is clearly an important task.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to know how much your dog or cat could cost in vet bills. Forbes Advisor analyzed pet insurance claims data from July 2017 to June 2020 to get the results. This data reflects what pet insurance companies paid, which is typically 70-100% of the total vet bill, not including the deductible.

The results?

  • Regardless of breeds, the average pet insurance claims are higher for cats than dogs ($355 versus $306, respectively).
  • The dog breed with the highest vet bills — with an average pet insurance claim of $425 — was the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, followed by the Rottweiler ($401) and the Dogue de Bordeax ($395).
  • Meanwhile, the dog with the least expensive vet bills — $226 on average — was the Australian Labradoodle. Runners up included the Miniature Goldendoodle ($230) and the Shichon ($241).
  • The cat breed with the highest medical cost was the Siberian Forest cat, which has an average insurance claim of $457, more expensive than the most expensive dog breed. Coming in second and third place were the Bengal ($404) and mixed breed medium haired cats ($403).
  • The cat breed with the least expensive vet bills was Burmese at $216, followed by Himalayan ($287) and Persian cats ($317).
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You can find the full list of dog and cat breeds in Forbes Advisor’s analysis to see where your pet stands.

Dogs and cats can be expensive, and while some can be more expensive than others, we love them all the same. After all, whether they’re snuggling up to us on the couch, stealing our favorite spot in bed, ready for a game of catch, or entertaining us with their silly antics, they bring so much more to our lives than a vet bill or two.

Are hydrangeas toxic for dogs? Read this first before letting your pup near your flowers
What to do if your dog eats hydrangeas — and whether they're poisonous
Greyhound on a leash in a yard

Pet parents may know the potential dangers of certain foods, like chocolate, for pets. However, risks within a home — and outside of it — aren't limited to pantry staples. Eating certain plants can also lead to short-term discomfort, long-term health issues, and even death. Holiday-favorite poinsettias are one of the more well-known examples of plants that are toxic to dogs.

There are others, including ones commonly found in gardens and bouquets each spring and summer. What about hydrangeas? Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs? This one is a great question, given how ubiquitous hydrangeas are around the country. They thrive in various conditions and soils and add bulk and beauty to gardens — a true bang-for-your-buck plant for green thumbs, but what about pet parents? Here's what to know about hydrangeas, toxicity, and dogs.
Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs?

Read more
Why does your dog smell bad? Here’s how to fix it
One of these things might be the cause of your stinky pooch
Dog leaning on human in blue sweater

Whether your dog is a young pup or an old buddy, a stinky canine could be a cause for concern, and not just for your nose! While we love that most of our dogs spend relaxing evenings on our laps or at our feet, it can sometimes be miserable to be so close to them when they are smelly. This is not only stinky for you, but also for them when you banish them to another room. So why does your dog smell so bad? Let's bring cuddling back into your nighttime routine and find out why your pup might be a stinky dog.

Why does your dog smell so bad?

Read more
Are cats cleaner than dogs, really?
Here are the ways that cats are cleaner than dogs
Two people holding up a dog and a cat

Lots of pet parents believe that felines are neater than canines and choose their companion animal as a result. But are cats cleaner than dogs, really? You've probably spotted your kitty grooming almost constantly, while a pup pup might be found rolling around in the mud — or something worse. It turns out that, in this case, the rumors prove true, and you'll get a cleaner buddy if you stick to a cat. Here are five reasons why mousers have the edge in this department.
Are cats cleaner than dogs? Yes, in 5 ways

There isn't just one standout way that cats beat dogs here. Instead, it's actually a few factors combined that create the cleanliness disparity.
Grooming

Read more