CritterPatellar Luxation (Kneecap) Surgery Cost for Dogs & Cats (2026)
Patellar Luxation (Kneecap) Surgery typically costs $1,000–$5,000 in the US and A$2,000–A$3,500 in Australia. It is a elective procedure; the exact price turns on luxation grade; one knee vs both; toy and small breeds most affected; general practice vs specialist orthopaedic surgeon.
Typical price range
| Region | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1,000–$5,000 | luxation grade; one knee vs both; toy and small breeds most affected; general practice vs specialist orthopaedic surgeon |
| Australia | A$2,000–A$3,500 | From AU clinic + insurer claim data |
What drives the price
luxation grade; one knee vs both; toy and small breeds most affected; general practice vs specialist orthopaedic surgeon. 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 patellar luxation (kneecap) surgery cost?
In the US, $1,000–$5,000; in Australia, A$2,000–A$3,500. 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
- Spay & Neuter (Desexing) cost
- BOAS / Brachycephalic Airway Surgery cost
- Hip Dysplasia Surgery (FHO / Total Hip Replacement) cost
- Cherry Eye Surgery cost
Sources & method
- Luxating Patella in Dogs & Surgery Costs, MetLife Pet Insurance (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- How Much Does Luxating Patella Dog Surgery Cost?, Vety (2026), collected 2026-07-20.
- The real cost of pet surgery bills and insurance premiums, Compare the Market AU (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- Affordable Vet & Pet Pricing Guide for Various Surgeries and Treatments, Melbourne Pet Surgery (2025), 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.