“Your dog is perfectly healthy. You might be the one with heart problems,” the vet joked. But when I heard the price—€180 for a single visit—I felt my blood pressure spike.”
Faidra Nikolaou forces a bitter smile as she recalls the moment. Like many pet owners in Greece today, she’s faced with exorbitant costs not only for medical treatment, but also for routine grooming and general care. When a pet falls seriously ill, the financial burden can be overwhelming—sometimes even life-altering.
“Every pet owner ends up having to sacrifice something. You cut costs elsewhere just to afford the vet,” she says.
She shares a recent example: her 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel picked up something off the street during a walk and immediately developed stomach issues. “We rushed to the vet—antiemetic injection, tests, the usual. That cost €50. Then the vet recommended probiotics—€35 for 10 sachets—and a special canned food diet for one week. Based on his weight, he needed four cans a day, each at €6.50. Just for food, we paid nearly €200 that week.”
When the vomiting returned, it meant another vet visit, another injection. “This time, at least, he charged only €25. But in just a few days, for what seemed like nothing, we’d spent €300. Thankfully, our dog recovered. But it’s incredibly hard for most people to afford this.”
The Rise of Pet Insurance
Spotting a growing need, many insurance companies in Greece are now offering pet health insurance, with varying coverage and pricing options. At the same time, private equity funds are buying up clinics or opening new, 24-hour veterinary facilities. Both trends have been the norm abroad for years.
Globally, the pet care and wellness industry is booming. According to Bloomberg, it’s expected to reach $500 billion by 2030. Experts say the pandemic marked a turning point—when many people fully realized the emotional and psychological benefits of having pets.
“The pet care boom” was the subject of a recent New York Times article, which noted that “veterinary care has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, creating a fraught emotional and financial landscape for pet owners.”
Everyday Pet Owners Feel the Pressure
Take Ilias Litsi’s Golden Retriever, Joy. She’s 10 years old and healthy, but regular upkeep still costs hundreds.
“Every year we spend €185 for a general check-up, €60 for a leishmaniasis vaccine, €42 every three months for a joint supplement, €11 monthly for a flea treatment, €10 every three months for deworming, and €42 every eight months for a collar,” Litsi explains.
Joy’s food alone costs around €100 per month. “I’d rather cut back on my own expenses than compromise on her diet. It’s preventative care,” she adds.
Other standard costs are also high. Spaying a male dog runs around €200, while females cost even more. For cats, it ranges from €80 (male) to €150 (female). When unexpected medical issues arise, bills can skyrocket.
“Luckily, Buddy got sick at the start of the month—right after I got paid,” says another owner, Mrs. Papadopoulou. “If it had happened any later, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
“I’d Sell My House for My Dog”
To outsiders, all of this might sound like a “luxury problem.” But those who’ve bonded with an animal—who’ve felt their companionship, loyalty, and love—know that the emotional toll can be devastating.
“My dog is family,” says Mrs. Nikolaou. “I’ll do whatever it takes.” “If I had to sell my house to save my dog,” adds Mrs. Vidaki, “I wouldn’t hesitate.”
The Problem of Inconsistent Pricing
Another challenge? There’s no standard pricing model. Each veterinarian sets fees based on their experience, the complexity of their services, and whether they operate a clinic or just a small practice.
One example: Mrs. Panagiotou took her Griffon-Poodle to an eye specialist—€60 for the consultation. Mrs. Theodoraki had a growth removed from her dog’s mouth—€150 for the procedure, plus €100 for the biopsy. And if the biopsy shows something serious, she has no idea what further costs might follow.
Another case: A friend of hers was told her young dog needs leg surgery. The quote? €2,000—just for the operation. Aftercare isn’t even included.
Hospitalization fees also vary dramatically. A cat’s overnight stay, for instance, can cost around €50 per day.
“We talk so much about how good it is to grow up with pets, how families should have them. But when you can’t even feed your kids properly, how can you afford this kind of expense without help?” Nikolaou asks.
What’s Driving the Prices?
Could veterinary costs be reduced?
Athina Trachili, President of the Panhellenic Veterinary Association, identifies several structural problems. One of the main culprits: VAT (Value Added Tax).
Everything pet-related—except medications—carries a 24% VAT. Medications are taxed at 13%. This VAT burden, combined with the presumptive taxation system that affects all self-employed professionals, places financial pressure on vets—costs that are often passed on to clients.
Operating costs are another issue: high rents (especially in urban centers), the cost of modern medical equipment, and ongoing expenses of running a fully-equipped clinic all contribute to rising prices.
