Vet costs
How much does a dog or cat teeth cleaning cost?
Dental cleanings surprise many pet parents because the price covers anesthesia, monitoring and often x-rays, not only the scaling. These are the published 2026 averages, what is in the quote, and the dental disease facts that explain why vets recommend it.
By the PetVitale editorial team · Last reviewed · Sources listed below
The short answer
- CareCredit's 2025 cost study reports a $388 national average for a dog cleaning ($307 to $702) and $375 for a cat ($300 to $682).
- Webvet's July 2026 range is $300 to $900 or more, rising with extractions and dental x-rays.
- Cornell reports that 50 to 90 percent of cats over four years old have some form of dental disease.
Teeth cleaning cost for dogs and cats
| Pet | National average | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | $388 | $307 – $702 | CareCredit / ASQ360 2025 |
| Cat | $375 | $300 – $682 | CareCredit / ASQ360 2025 |
| Either, with extractions or x-rays | — | $300 – $900+ | Webvet, Jul 2026 |
How to read these numbers: they are national estimates published by the sources below, not PetVitale data. Your clinic's price depends on your city, your pet's size and age, what the quote bundles (exam, bloodwork, anesthesia, pain relief) and whether you use a non-profit or low-cost program. Ask for a written estimate before you book.
What a dental cleaning quote usually includes
- Pre-anesthetic exam and often bloodwork to confirm the pet can be safely anesthetized.
- General anesthesia with monitoring; the AVMA explains that a thorough cleaning below the gumline is not possible on an awake animal.
- Scaling and polishing of every tooth, above and below the gumline.
- Dental x-rays, which find problems under the gum that a visual exam misses.
- Extractions, priced per tooth and the most common reason a final bill lands above the estimate.
Why dental care matters, especially for cats
The Cornell Feline Health Center reports that between 50 and 90 percent of cats older than four have some form of dental disease, and that tooth resorption affects an estimated 30 to 70 percent of cats. Dogs are affected at similar rates as they age. Periodontal disease is painful, and the AVMA notes it can affect organs beyond the mouth.
How to keep dental costs down
- Daily or near-daily tooth brushing at home slows tartar between professional cleanings.
- Book the cleaning when your vet first recommends it; waiting usually means extractions, which add cost.
- Ask whether dental x-rays are included in the estimate or billed separately.
- Some clinics discount dental procedures in February (Pet Dental Health Month); ask.
Questions pet parents ask
Sources
- How much does dog teeth cleaning cost? — CareCredit (Synchrony / ASQ360 2025 cost study), updated April 24, 2026
- How much does a vet visit cost? — Webvet, reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS MRCVS, July 2026
- Feline dental disease — Cornell Feline Health Center
- Pet dental care — American Veterinary Medical Association
Related guides and tools
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Prices are published estimates that vary by clinic, region and your pet's needs — ask your veterinarian for a written estimate. PetVitale organizes your pet's records and reminders; it does not replace your vet.