how much is the vet fee

Dogs, cats, birds or goldfish. About 40 percent of Italian families have pets (Assalco/Agricommercio data from 2022). Despite the love and affection they show us every day, our four-legged friends always have a significant cost to consider before deciding to adopt puppies. The latest Altroconsumo research focused precisely on dogs and cats to highlight veterinary costs in six different cities: Bari, Bologna, Milan, Naples, Rome and Turin.

Cost of the first visit

The consumer association survey wanted to analyze the cost of a six week old puppy’s first visit in various Italian cities. A total of 149 veterinary clinics were reached by phone. For medical services that fall under “first visit”, some veterinarians check eyes, teeth, ears, fur, fever, heart rate, breathing, and muscle tone. In some cases, stool tests, vaccinations or deworming are also included. If they are not included in the visit fee, they must be paid separately.

It turns out that only 20 clinics contacted offer a free first visit to get to know the animal. Normally there is a significant cost difference between a city in the South where those in the South are cheaper and another city. With average costs ranging from 39 Euros in Naples to 50 Euros in Milan. They also found structures in Milan, Turin and Bari demanding around 80 euros.

In general, outpatient clinics are less expensive than clinics. Unlike the traditional veterinary practice, the clinic often offers long hours and hospitalization services for the animal, as well as veterinary first aid. Altroconsumo also provided an overview of possible emergencies for animals. Of the 149 facilities, 19 percent have 24-hour emergency services, but you usually have to call first to inform the facility. In 54 percent of cases, clinics are only open on weekdays and cannot be found outside visiting hours. 27 percent reported that they can be reached by phone in case of emergency.

Microchip, a mandatory cost

In Italy – for dogs – microchip is required by law and the practice sometimes has a cost that is not included in the first visit or vaccination visit. It goes from a minimum of 25 Euros to a maximum of 65 Euros in the same city. On average, 34 Euros are spent in Bari and 49 Euros in Milan. Not only that, after inserting the microchip, the veterinarian carries out the registration at the registry office and in some cases, for example in Rome, the doctor may also ask for a contribution for this process. As an alternative to the veterinarian, the microchip can be applied to ASL, which is usually less costly. It costs 28 euros in Lazio and almost 22 euros in Lombardy.

Costs to consider

Last year, Altroconsumo conducted a survey that revealed that a family spends an average of 1,562 Euros per year on an animal – specifically a dog or cat – of which 341 Euros is on medical expenses. The older the animal, the higher the costs, as do the frequency of visits. ACmakers, members of the Altroconsumo community, were also included in this latest survey, but this survey revealed the specific costs of initial visits. Responses from citizens registered with the service revealed that more than 400 consumers took their pets to the vet about two or three times in the past year—dog owners more often than cat owners.

In addition to the cost of vets, there is also the cost of drugs and – of course – food to consider, for which those for animals have much higher prices. Until today, the health expenses are completely covered by the citizens and therefore it is the responsibility of those who want to consider the care costs before deciding to buy a pet. However, there is a way to get back some of the amount paid: In fact, a 19 percent tax deduction is provided for a maximum deduction of 550 euros and 129.11 euros on the tax return. From this it is possible to obtain a personal income tax deduction of 80 euros.