Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and one of the first things you should do is book a health check with a vet. Many practices offer free or reduced-cost new puppy consultations, but here is a full breakdown of what to expect and what it costs.

Average Puppy Health Check Costs

  • New puppy health check (standalone): £30 to £60
  • Free new puppy check: Offered by many practices to attract new clients
  • Combined health check + first vaccination: £50 to £85
  • Full puppy vaccination course (2 injections, 2–4 weeks apart): £50 to £80 per injection, or £100 to £160 total

The average UK consultation fee is now £62 according to CMA data (up 63% since 2016), but many practices waive or reduce this fee for initial puppy checks as a way of registering new clients.

What a Puppy Health Check Includes

A thorough puppy health check should cover:

  • General examination: Eyes, ears, skin, coat, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes
  • Weight check: To ensure the puppy is growing appropriately for their breed
  • Heart auscultation: Listening for murmurs (common in some breeds)
  • Hernia check: Umbilical hernias are common in puppies
  • Parasite check: Looking for signs of fleas, ear mites, and intestinal worms
  • Microchip verification: Checking that the breeder's microchip is registered and working
  • Discussion of vaccination schedule
  • Advice on worming, flea treatment, diet, and socialisation

First-Year Veterinary Costs for a Puppy

Beyond the initial health check, budget for these first-year expenses:

  • Primary vaccination course (2 injections): £100 to £160
  • Microchipping (if not already done): £20 to £35
  • Worming treatment (monthly for first 6 months, then quarterly): £50 to £100 per year
  • Flea and tick treatment (monthly): £80 to £150 per year
  • Neutering (typically at 6–12 months): £150 to £365
  • Pet insurance: £15 to £55 per month

Total first-year veterinary costs (excluding unexpected illness or injury) typically range from £400 to £900.

When to Book

Book your puppy's first health check within 48–72 hours of bringing them home. This is important because:

  • It establishes a baseline health record
  • It can identify problems the breeder may have missed
  • Many puppy sale contracts require a vet check within a specific timeframe for the health guarantee to apply
  • It starts the vaccination schedule if not already begun

What Affects the Price

Practice Type

The CMA found that corporate-owned practices charge an average of 17% more than independent practices. This applies to consultation fees as well as vaccinations and other routine care.

Location

London and South East practices are typically 15–25% more expensive than the national average for routine consultations and vaccinations.

Health Plan Membership

Many practices offer monthly health plans (£12–£25/month) that bundle vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, and sometimes neutering into a monthly payment. These can offer good value for a puppy's first year, effectively spreading the cost and often providing a 15–25% saving compared to paying for everything separately.

How to Save

  • Ask about free puppy checks: Many practices offer these — call around before registering.
  • Compare vaccination prices: The cost of a primary vaccination course varies by £50+ between practices in the same area. Use VetCost to compare.
  • Consider a health plan: Monthly plans can save 15–25% on routine first-year costs and spread the financial burden.
  • Register with an independent practice: Independent vets are typically cheaper than corporate-owned practices for routine care.
  • Insure early: Taking out insurance from 8 weeks old locks in the lowest premium and means any conditions that develop are covered from the start.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost practice data.