Annual Health Check Cost in the UK – What to Expect

By the Pawlee Team

Average cost

£40–£65

Typical range

£35–£70

Species

Dog & Cat

How much does annual health check cost?

Annual Health Check typically costs £40–£65 in the UK, though prices can range from £35 to £70 depending on your location, the practice, and your pet's individual circumstances.

Costs are UK averages based on publicly available data. Actual prices vary by practice, location, and animal size.

What affects the price?

Factor	Impact on cost	Example
Location	London and the South East are typically 20–40% more expensive	£50–£65 in London vs £35–£45 in the North
Chain vs independent	Corporate chains average 16.6% more than independents (CMA data)	£50–£65 at a chain vs £35–£50 at an independent
Additional tests	Blood work, urine tests, or vaccinations added on the day increase the total bill	A basic check-up at £45 vs a check-up with blood panel at £120+

What's included in the price?

Full nose-to-tail physical examination
Weight and body condition assessment
Heart and lung auscultation
Dental check
Discussion of diet, behaviour, and preventive care

What to expect

An annual health check is a routine veterinary consultation where the vet performs a thorough physical examination of your pet. They will check your pet's weight, heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and joints, looking for early signs of illness or disease. It is the single most important appointment in your pet's calendar for catching problems before they become serious.

When is it needed? Every dog and cat should have at least one health check per year. Senior pets (over seven years for most breeds, over ten for cats) benefit from twice-yearly checks. Your vet may also schedule a health check as part of a booster vaccination appointment.

Breeds commonly needing this treatment

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Labrador Retriever French Bulldog British Shorthair Bengal

Related conditions

Heart Murmur Dogs Arthritis Dogs Diabetes Dogs

Want more detail?

Read our in-depth guide →

Frequently asked questions

What does a vet health check actually include?

The vet will weigh your pet, listen to their heart and lungs, check their eyes, ears, and teeth, feel their abdomen, assess joint mobility, and examine their skin and coat. They will also discuss diet, parasite prevention, and any behavioural changes you have noticed. The whole appointment usually lasts 15–20 minutes.

Is an annual health check worth the money?

Absolutely. Many serious conditions — including heart murmurs, dental disease, lumps, and early kidney disease — are first detected during a routine check-up. Catching these early can save hundreds or thousands of pounds in treatment costs, and more importantly, can extend your pet's life and quality of life.

Do I still need an annual check if my pet seems healthy?

Yes. Dogs and cats are very good at hiding pain and illness. A pet that appears perfectly healthy can have early-stage dental disease, a heart murmur, or weight issues that only a vet examination would detect. Prevention is always cheaper and kinder than cure.

Can I combine the health check with vaccinations?

Yes, and most practices do exactly this. Your pet's annual booster appointment usually includes a full health check as standard. If your pet does not need boosters that year, you should still book a standalone check-up.