Daejeon Has Highest Animal Hospital Consultation Fees... 1.7 Times More Expensive Than Jeonnam

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Releases Nationwide Veterinary Fee Survey Results
Consultation Fee: 12,881 Won in Daejeon, 7,389 Won in Jeonnam

The average consultation fee at animal hospitals in Daejeon was found to be 12,881 won, the highest in the country. This is 1.7 times more expensive than Jeonnam, which had the lowest average at 7,389 won.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on December 22 that it had surveyed and released the current status of veterinary fees (minimum, maximum, median, and average values) at animal hospitals nationwide, broken down by city, county, and district.

According to the findings, the main items with an increase in average fees compared to the previous year were radiology examination fees (8.3%), consultation fees (6.5%), and initial examination fees (2.2%). Out of 20 categories, 9 showed increases ranging from 0.8% to 8.3%. The main items with decreased fees were complete blood count tests (-10.6%) and comprehensive feline vaccines (-1.2%), with a total of 2 categories showing decreases ranging from -1.2% to -10.6%.

For example, the nationwide average for initial examination fees was 10,520 won, with the highest being 61,000 won. The average hospitalization fee for companion dogs was 65,040 won, with the highest at 330,000 won. The average radiography and MRI fees were 46,917 won and 722,789 won, respectively.

Veterinary fees varied by region. The difference in average fees between regions (by city or province) was up to 1.7 times for certain items. The consultation fee in Daejeon was 12,881 won, 1.7 times higher than in Jeonnam. The highest average hospitalization fee was in Chungnam at 81,565 won.

The nationwide survey on veterinary fees has been conducted annually since 2023, following the mandatory disclosure of major veterinary fees at animal hospitals. Starting this year, the number of fee categories subject to disclosure was expanded to 20 from 11 last year. Detailed regional fee information can be found on the Veterinary Fee Survey and Disclosure System.

Joo Woncheol, Director of Animal Welfare and Environmental Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "The public disclosure of veterinary fees is promoting price competition among animal hospitals, which is expected to help pet owners make rational choices for medical services and reduce regional fee disparities. We will continue to implement various policies to ease the burden of pet care costs and strive to create a society where people and animals can live happily together."