How Much Do Vet X-Rays Cost? (2024)

On average, the cost of vet X-rays ranges from $150 to $250.* Dog X-ray costs range from $126 to $300, while cat X-ray costs range from $100 to $267.* These price ranges are estimates, and the cost of your pet’s X-ray will vary depending on their size, the area being X-rayed, the injury’s severity, whether sedation is used and the type of practice you visit.

All cost ranges are calculated as averages from various 2023 reports, including CareCredit Canine Journal, PetKeen and Pawlicy Advisor.

As mentioned above, multiple factors can affect how much an X-ray costs. Below are some of the most common factors affecting X-ray costs.

Injury

Two of the most significant impacts on cost are the location and severity of your pet’s injury. t. Some parts of the body are easier to X-ray than others, and the price depends on how easily your vet can reach the body parts being X-rayed. For example, your pet’s paw and leg are easier to X-ray than its head.

Veterinary Office Type and Location

The type of vet office you visit and its location also influence X-ray costs. For example, an emergency hospital will charge more than a general practice veterinary clinic. If cost is an issue, look for local animal organizations that offer low-cost dog and cat X-rays.

Sedation

Sedation is sometimes necessary to X-ray your pet. Some pets may be in extreme pain or incredibly nervous, so they won’t sit still long enough for the vet to take X-rays. If this occurs, your vet might recommend sedation or anesthesia. Your pet may also need to be completely relaxed for a clear image of its skull or teeth, in which case your vet may also recommend anesthesia. Sedation or anesthesia generally costs an additional $50 to $220.

There are many reasons why your pet might need an X-ray. X-rays are often used to diagnose common health problems, such as tumors or bladder stones. Below are some of the most common reasons cats and dogs need X-rays.

Broken Bones

The most common reason cats and dogs need X-rays is to identify broken bones. Fractures often occur in the leg bones, and an X-ray is the best way to confirm a fracture’s location and severity.

Tumors

X-rays can also help vets spot certain types of tumors. Dogs and cats can develop tumors in almost any body part, such as their kidneys, lungs, and bones. An X-ray can help your veterinarian detect a tumor, so they can pursue additional diagnostics to determine whether your pet has cancer and whether the tumor should be removed.

Dental Problems

X-rays are standard for pet dental care. Both dogs and cats require sedation for dental X-rays. Even if your pet has no visible dental problems, vets still recommend annual X-rays since the majority of each tooth is buried. X-rays are essential to fully evaluate the tooth root, periodontal structures, and surrounding bone and can identify dental problems such as tooth fractures, abscesses, tumors, bone loss or tooth-root abnormalities.

Intestinal Blockage

Swallowing a nondigestible object can cause life-threatening health problems for a pet. An abdominal X-ray can provide your vet a visual image of the object in your pet’s stomach or intestinal tract to determine whether surgery is necessary for removal. If you suspect your pet swallowed a foreign object, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Lung or Heart Problems

If your pet starts breathing abnormally, a chest X-ray can help your vet identify potential health conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia or fungal infection.

X-rays aren’t only for emergencies; they’re common diagnostic tools that support your pet’s health. Your dog or cat may need dental X-rays during routine vet visits, and you never know when a broken bone, hip dysplasia or severe intestinal issues can occur, which may also require an X-ray.

We recommend choosing a pet insurance policy that covers the costs of X-rays and any associated procedures that may follow, such as blood work or treatment for orthopedic issues.

Below are our recommended pet insurance providers that cover x-rays.

Lemonade Pet Insurance: Most Affordable Plans

Lemonade is an excellent option for pet parents looking to save money. The company provides some of the most affordable pet insurance plans, including X-ray coverage. Lemonade also offers a user-friendly smartphone app to manage your claims and keep track of your policy coverage and billing. The company covers X-rays as part of its diagnostic coverage in its standard accident and illness plan, including blood tests, urinalysis, MRIs, labwork, CT scans and ultrasounds.

To learn more: Read our Lemonade Pet Insurance review

Spot Pet Insurance: Most Customizable

We recommend Spot Pet Insurance for those interested in personalized coverage. The company’s policies are more customizable than many competitors, with annual limit options ranging from $2,500 to unlimited. Spot’s policies also cover a few items that many other pet insurance providers don’t, such as exam fees and microchipping.

To learn more: Read our Spot Pet Insurance review

Trupanion Pet Insurance: Most Flexible Deductible

Trupanion is a nationwide pet insurance provider that offers unlimited annual coverage caps, customizable deductibles and direct payments. Though pet insurance typically requires you to pay your entire vet bill and get reimbursed later, Trupanion’s $0 deductible option allows you to pay only your percentage of the bill at checkout. Trupanion provides one comprehensive pet insurance plan with accident and illness coverage—including X-rays—for dogs and cats up to 14 years old.

To learn more: Read our Trupanion Pet Insurance review