Getting a new puppy is exciting, but the vet bills in the first year can come as a shock. Between vaccinations, neutering, parasite prevention, and unexpected illnesses, you should budget £600–£1,500 for veterinary care in year one. Here is a complete breakdown.

First Vaccination Course

Puppies need a primary vaccination course, typically given as two injections 2–4 weeks apart, starting at 8–10 weeks old. This covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and sometimes parainfluenza.

  • Primary vaccination course: £50–£95 (two visits)
  • First consultation/health check: Often included in the vaccination price, or £30–£65 separately

Microchipping

Microchipping has been a legal requirement for dogs in England since 2016. Your puppy should already be microchipped by the breeder (legally required before sale at 8 weeks). If not, your vet can do it:

  • Microchipping: £10–£30
  • Database registration transfer: Free to £15 depending on the database

Worming

Puppies need frequent worming in the first 6 months because they are highly susceptible to roundworms (often passed from the mother):

  • Every 2 weeks from 2–12 weeks old
  • Monthly from 12 weeks to 6 months
  • Every 3 months from 6 months onwards (or monthly for lungworm prevention)

Cost: £30–£60 for the first year of worming treatment, depending on product choice.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Flea treatment can usually start from 8 weeks of age, depending on the product. Monthly treatment is recommended year-round:

  • Annual flea/tick prevention: £48–£180 depending on product

Neutering

Most vets recommend neutering between 6 and 12 months (timing varies by breed and sex). This is typically the single biggest veterinary cost in the first year:

  • Male dog castration: £150–£300
  • Female dog spaying: £200–£365

Charity-subsidised neutering is available from the Dogs Trust, PDSA, Blue Cross, and RSPCA for owners on benefits or low income.

Health Checks and Unexpected Visits

Puppies are curious and accident-prone. Common first-year vet visits include:

  • Vomiting/diarrhoea (eaten something inappropriate): £50–£200
  • Ear infection: £50–£120
  • Skin irritation or allergy: £50–£150
  • Limping or minor injury: £50–£200

Budget at least £100–£300 for unexpected vet visits. Puppies have a remarkable talent for eating things they should not.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is strongly recommended from the day you bring your puppy home. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from all policies, so insuring early gives the broadest coverage. Puppy insurance typically costs:

  • Accident only: £6–£12 per month
  • Lifetime cover: £20–£50 per month (depending on breed)

Total First Year Vet Costs

Adding it all up for a medium-sized dog:

  • Vaccinations: £50–£95
  • Microchipping: £0–£30
  • Worming: £30–£60
  • Flea/tick treatment: £48–£180
  • Neutering: £150–£365
  • Unexpected visits: £100–£300
  • Total: approximately £380–£1,030

Add pet insurance at £240–£600 per year, and total first-year veterinary-related costs are £620–£1,630. The CMA's investigation found significant price variation between practices, so comparing vet prices before registering your puppy can save hundreds of pounds over their lifetime.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA veterinary market investigation, VetCost pricing data.