How much does a pet dental cost?
By Richard Barker, editor. Last checked 16 October 2026.
A routine dental is usually done under general anaesthetic. The standard price covers an examination of the mouth and a scale and polish. Extractions and other treatment found during the procedure are extra.
What the standard dental price covers
The price list item is a dental assessment: an initial examination of the mouth, a scale and a polish. As with neutering, the practice must tick what the price includes, such as the anaesthetic, pain relief and blood tests beforehand.
Why the final bill can be higher
Teeth that need removing, dental X-rays and extra time under anaesthetic are usually charged on top. Ask for an estimate. For treatment likely to cost £500 or more, practices must give a written estimate from June 2027 (large groups) or September 2027 (smaller practices).
When prices will appear here
We will add each practice's published prices to this guide as their price lists go online, starting with the large groups from 23 December 2026 and every other practice from 23 March 2027. Until then we show only figures the CMA has published, with their source.
Sources
- Schedule 1: Price list schedule, Competition and Markets Authority, 22 September 2026.
- Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026, Competition and Markets Authority, 22 September 2026.
- Veterinary services for household pets: summary of final report, Competition and Markets Authority, 24 March 2026.
CMA documents are Crown copyright and used under the Open Government Licence v3.0.