CritterEar Infection (Otitis) Treatment Cost for Dogs & Cats (2026)
Ear Infection (Otitis) Treatment typically costs $100–$500 in the US and A$342–A$439 in Australia. It is a routine procedure; the exact price turns on exam plus ear cytology to identify yeast vs bacteria; recurrent or chronic cases and sedated deep cleaning cost more; underlying allergy often drives recurrence.
Typical price range
| Region | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $100–$500 | exam plus ear cytology to identify yeast vs bacteria; recurrent or chronic cases and sedated deep cleaning cost more; underlying allergy often drives recurrence |
| Australia | A$342–A$439 | AU band = the two published claims-data averages for canine ear-infection treatment (PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2026: $342 average, $6,161 highest; Bow Wow Meow/PetSure 2024 claims: $439 average, $22,665 highest). Both rest on the PetSure claims pool, hence thin_source; severe or chronic cases run far above the band. |
What drives the price
exam plus ear cytology to identify yeast vs bacteria; recurrent or chronic cases and sedated deep cleaning cost more; underlying allergy often drives recurrence. Prices vary widely by clinic, region and the animal’s size and condition, which is why we show a range rather than a single figure.
Is it covered by insurance?
Accident-and-illness pet insurance commonly covers unexpected procedures like this (routine and pre-existing items are usually excluded). See how premiums compare on pet insurance cost by state. We state costs only, not advice on whether to insure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ear infection (otitis) treatment cost?
In the US, $100–$500; in Australia, A$342–A$439. The range reflects clinic, region and the animal’s size.
Why is there such a wide range?
Veterinary pricing is not standardised. The same procedure can differ substantially between a low-cost clinic and a specialty hospital, so a cited band is more honest than a single number.
Related procedures
- Dental Cleaning (Scale & Polish) cost
- Annual Exam & Vaccinations cost
- X-ray & Bloodwork Panel cost
- Microchip cost
Sources & method
- How Much Does It Cost to Treat a Dog Ear Infection?, Vety (2026), collected 2026-07-20.
- Average Cost of a Vet Visit For a Dog's Ear Infection, InsuranceRanked (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2026 - top dog health conditions (2025 claims), PetSure Australia (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- Bow Wow Meow - Otitis externa cost of treatment (PetSure claims data, 2024 calendar year), Bow Wow Meow (PetSure-backed) (2024), collected 2026-07-20.
Every figure is assembled from these sources by the model on our methodology page. No number is copied from a competitor.
Figures assembled July 20, 2026. Baselines: AVMA 2025 · NAPHIA 2024 · AMA 2025. These are assembled estimates, not measured costs. See how we build them.