VetCostCalc
High health risk Dog · small · 12-25 lbs · 13-yr lifespan

Boston Terrier Vet Cost by Age: Year-by-Year Projection

Annual vet costs for a boston terrier run $550–$1,400/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

$550–$1,400

per year

Lifetime Total

$10,811–$27,510

13-year lifespan

Insurance

$55–$95/mo

typical range

Health Risk

High

2-3 visits/year

Your Boston Terrier’s Projected Vet Costs

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

0 = puppy year

Urban vets cost 30–60% more

Conditions raise ongoing costs

Show with pet insurance

$55–$95/mo • Covers 70–90% of major procedures

Common Boston Terrier Health Issues

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

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Prevalence: 40-60% $1,500–$5,000 if treated

Shortened snout causes breathing obstruction. Surgery often needed before age 2.

Corneal ulcers

Prevalence: 20-30% $300–$1,500 if treated

Protruding eyes scratch easily. Eye drops manage mild cases; surgery for severe.

Patellar luxation

Prevalence: 15% $1,500–$5,000 if treated

Kneecap dislocation. Surgical correction usually required for Grade 3-4.

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
$1,265–$3,220
Age 1
$413–$1,050
Age 2
$413–$1,050
Age 3
$550–$1,400
Age 4
$550–$1,400
Age 5
$550–$1,400
Age 6
$688–$1,750
Age 7
$688–$1,750
Age 8
$853–$2,170
Age 9
$853–$2,170
Age 10
$853–$2,170
Age 11
$1,045–$2,660
Age 12
$1,045–$2,660
Age 13
$1,045–$2,660

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

Boston Terrier-Specific Procedures

Routine and breed-specific procedures that affect your budget.

BOAS evaluation + surgery

Once if needed

$1,500–$5,000

Eye exam

Annual

$80–$200

Dental cleaning

Annual

$300–$700

What Vets Say About Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers carry brachycephalic risk. Budget for a potential BOAS corrective procedure in the first two years — it's the single biggest cost driver for this breed.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for a Boston Terrier?

Insurance for a boston terrier runs $55–$95/month ($660–$1,140/year). With a high health risk profile, insurance is strongly recommended. A single major surgery can cost more than several years of premiums.

→ See the pet insurance calculator

Compare Other Dog Breeds

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