Veterinary costs for small pets vary widely depending on your location, the species, and whether the visit is routine or emergency. Exotic and small animal veterinarians often charge more than general practice vets because of specialized training and equipment.

A standard wellness checkup for a rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, or other small pet typically costs between 50 and 100 dollars. This includes a physical examination, weight check, dental assessment, and discussion of diet and husbandry. Some clinics charge higher rates for initial visits.

Common treatments and their approximate cost ranges include nail trims at 10 to 25 dollars, fecal parasite testing at 25 to 50 dollars, dental filing for rabbits and guinea pigs at 150 to 400 dollars depending on sedation needs, and spaying or neutering a rabbit at 150 to 400 dollars.

Emergency visits are significantly more expensive. After-hours exotic emergency clinics may charge 150 to 250 dollars just for the exam, with diagnostics and treatment adding hundreds more. GI stasis treatment in rabbits, a common emergency, can range from 200 to over 1,000 dollars depending on severity and hospitalization needs.

Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays typically costs 100 to 250 dollars per session. Blood work ranges from 80 to 200 dollars. Surgery for tumor removal or bladder stones can run 500 to 2,000 dollars or more.

Budget at least 200 to 300 dollars annually for routine care per small pet, and maintain an emergency fund of 500 to 1,000 dollars. Not every general veterinarian sees exotic small animals, so locate an exotics-savvy vet before you need one urgently. The Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians directory is a good starting resource.