Obtaining pet insurance is one way to ease veterinary sticker shock. Insurance companies charge annual premiums between $150 and $300 for a healthy adult dog. Basic coverage for puppies is slightly less; and when your dog reaches 8 years of age, the cost of coverage rises incrementally as your dog gets older.

Basic plans usually don't cover routine preventive care although such coverage may be available for an extra charge. The basic plans are designed to cover a percentage of the veterinary charges for unexpected illnesses. They don't cover preexisting conditions or hereditary diseases. So if your dog has hip dysplasia, for example, surgical or medical treatment to ease his pain would not be covered. But if your furry friend were hit by a car or decided to eat a dish towel (it can happen!), the costs of veterinary care would be covered (after payment of a deductible) up the a maximum amount for that condition.