How much does a Border Collie cost at the vet each year?

A Border Collie costs $420–$950 per year at the vet on average. Costs vary by age: the first year (puppy vaccines, spay/neuter) typically runs $1,575–$2,185. Senior border collies (age 8+) average $1,062–$1,473/year.

What is the lifetime vet cost of a Border Collie?

Total lifetime vet costs for a Border Collie range from $8,253 to $18,671 over a typical 13-year lifespan. This includes preventive care, dental cleanings, annual exams, and an allowance for breed-specific health conditions. Pet insurance ($30–$55/mo) can reduce out-of-pocket costs for major procedures by 70–90%.

Low health risk Dog · medium · 30-55 lbs · 13-yr lifespan

Border Collie Vet Cost by Age: Year-by-Year Projection

Q: What health problems do border collies commonly have?

Hip dysplasia (5-8%): Less common than other herding breeds but still worth screening. | Collie eye anomaly (5-10%): Inherited eye defect. Most cases are mild; serious cases can cause blindness. | Epilepsy (3-5%): Seizure disorder requiring long-term medication. Medication costs $50-$150/mo ongoing.

Q: Is pet insurance worth it for a Border Collie?

Pet insurance for a Border Collie runs $30–$55/month ($360–$660/year). For a low health risk breed like the Border Collie, insurance makes most sense if purchased young (before age 2) when premiums are lowest and no pre-existing conditions exist.

Annual vet costs for a border collie run $420–$950/year. But that’s an average — costs spike in the puppy year and again in the senior years. Enter your dog’s age below to see what you’ll actually spend.

Annual Range

$420–$950

per year

Lifetime Total

$8,253–$18,671

13-year lifespan

Insurance

$30–$55/mo

typical range

Health Risk

Low

1-2 visits/year average

Your Border Collie’s Projected Vet Costs

Enter your dog’s current age and your location type to see what you’ll pay each year.

Current age (years)

0 = puppy year

Location cost level

Urban vets cost 30–60% more

Existing condition?

Conditions raise ongoing costs

Show with pet insurance

$30–$55/mo • Covers 70–90% of major procedures

Common Border Collie Health Issues

These conditions drive vet costs most. Prevalence from AVMA surveys and breed club health studies.

Hip dysplasia

Prevalence: 5-8% $1,500–$6,000 if treated

Less common than other herding breeds but still worth screening.

Collie eye anomaly

Prevalence: 5-10% $100–$400 if treated

Inherited eye defect. Most cases are mild; serious cases can cause blindness.

Epilepsy

Prevalence: 3-5% $500–$2,000 if treated

Seizure disorder requiring long-term medication. Medication costs $50-$150/mo ongoing.

How Costs Change With Age

Vet spending is not flat. The first year is the most expensive. Ages 1–2 are cheapest. Senior years climb as monitoring and chronic conditions increase.

Age 0

$966–$2,185 Puppy (Year 1)

Age 1

$315–$713 Young Adult

Age 2

$315–$713 Young Adult

Age 3

$420–$950 Adult

Age 4

$420–$950 Adult

Age 5

$420–$950 Adult

Age 6

$525–$1,188 Mature Adult

Age 7

$525–$1,188 Mature Adult

Age 8

$651–$1,473 Senior

Age 9

$651–$1,473 Senior

Age 10

$651–$1,473 Senior

Age 11

$798–$1,805 Geriatric

Age 12

$798–$1,805 Geriatric

Age 13

$798–$1,805 Geriatric

National averages. Your location, care level, and individual health will shift these figures.

Border Collie-Specific Procedures

Routine and breed-specific procedures that affect your budget.

Eye exam (CERF/OFA)

Annual

$50–$150

Hip screening

Once at age 1-2

$200–$400

Dental cleaning

Every 2 years

$300–$650

Wellness exam + vaccines

Annual

$150–$300

What Vets Say About Border Collies

Border Collies are among the healthiest medium breeds. Their long lifespan and low health risk make them one of the most cost-effective breeds at the vet. Budget for eye and hip screenings early.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for a Border Collie?

Insurance for a border collie runs $30–$55/month ($360–$660/year). For a low risk breed, insurance pays off most when purchased young — premiums are 40–60% lower before age 3.

→ See the pet insurance calculator

Compare Other Dog Breeds

Australian Shepherd → Beagle → Bernese Mountain Dog → Boxer → Bulldog → Cavalier King Charles Spaniel →

More Vet Cost Tools

→ Vet Cost Estimator — by procedure → Pet Insurance Calculator → Lifetime Pet Care Cost Calculator → All Breeds — Cost Projector