Emergency cost guide

What pet emergencies actually cost

Real ER price ranges from 2025 invoices across the US — plus what insurance typically covers, common denial traps, and how to appeal if your claim gets rejected.

HBC — Hit by Car

life-threatening

$2,500–$15,000

Typical ER cost range • Dogs & cats

Visible trauma · Bleeding · Limping

Bloat / GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

life-threatening

$3,000–$8,000

Typical ER cost range • dog

Distended abdomen · Unproductive retching · Restlessness

Snake Bite (Rattlesnake / Copperhead / Cottonmouth)

life-threatening

$2,000–$8,000

Typical ER cost range • Dogs & cats

Sudden swelling · Puncture wounds · Drooling

Torn Cruciate Ligament (CCL/ACL)

same-day

$3,500–$8,000

Typical ER cost range • dog

Sudden lameness on hind leg · Won't bear weight · Swollen knee

Foreign Body Ingestion (Swallowed Object)

urgent

$2,000–$7,000

Typical ER cost range • Dogs & cats

Vomiting · Not eating · Lethargy

Heatstroke

life-threatening

$1,500–$6,000

Typical ER cost range • Dogs & cats

Excessive panting · Body temp >104°F · Collapse

Parvovirus (Puppy)

life-threatening

$1,500–$5,000

Typical ER cost range • dog

Bloody diarrhea · Severe vomiting · Dehydration

Urinary Blockage (Cat)

life-threatening

$1,500–$4,500

Typical ER cost range • cat

Straining in litter box · No urine produced · Vocalizing

Toxin Ingestion (Chocolate, Xylitol, Grapes, Antifreeze)

life-threatening

$800–$4,500

Typical ER cost range • Dogs & cats

Vomiting · Seizures · Tremors

Acute Pancreatitis

urgent

$1,200–$4,000

Typical ER cost range • Dogs & cats

Severe vomiting · Abdominal pain (prayer position) · Lethargy

Hit with a denied emergency claim?

Most ER denials are appealable. Insurers know you're paying out-of-pocket and hoping it goes away — don't let them.

Start an appeal →