BOAS Surgery Cost: The 2026 Guide for Pet Parents

If you’re a parent to an adorable flat-faced dog, their health is your top priority. You love their snorts and grumbles, but you also worry about their breathing. When your vet mentions BOAS surgery, your first thought is “Yes, whatever it takes,” but your second thought is almost always, “…how much is this going to cost?”

You’re not alone. Understanding the average cost of BOAS surgery is the first step toward making a confident and informed decision for your beloved pet. Let’s break down the real numbers and explore how you can manage this significant expense.

What Factors Influence BOAS Surgery Cost?

BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery isn’t a single procedure; it’s often a combination of surgeries tailored to your dog’s specific needs. The final bill can vary dramatically based on several key factors:

• Your Location: A specialist in a major city like New York or Los Angeles will naturally cost more than a vet in a smaller town.
• The Surgeon’s Expertise: A board-certified veterinary surgeon will have a higher fee, but their expertise can be invaluable.
• Specific Procedures Needed: Does your dog just need their nostrils widened (stenotic nares), or do they also need their soft palate trimmed and everted laryngeal saccules removed? Each additional procedure adds to the cost.
• Pre-Surgical Diagnostics: Essential bloodwork, X-rays, and examinations are required to ensure your pup is safe for anesthesia.

As highlighted by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, a thorough diagnostic workup is crucial for a successful outcome.

The Average Cost of BOAS Surgery: A Realistic Breakdown

So, what’s the bottom line? While prices vary, you can generally expect the total cost in the United States to fall within a certain range.

Service / Procedure	Estimated Cost Range (2026)
Initial Consultation & Diagnostics	$250 – $700
Anesthesia & Surgical Monitoring	$800 – $2,000
The Surgery (Nares, Palate, etc.)	$1,500 – $6,000+
Post-Op Care & Medication	$150 – $500
Total Estimated Cost	$2,700 – $9,200+

As you can see, this is a significant financial commitment. This is where having the right pet insurance plan in place before you need it becomes an absolute game-changer.

“Investing in your dog’s health is never a cost; it’s a down payment on more happy years together.”

How Pet Insurance Can Save You Thousands

Pet insurance is designed for exactly this kind of situation: a necessary but expensive medical procedure. It transforms a potentially devastating bill into a manageable expense.

Let’s look at a real-world example:

• Total BOAS Surgery Bill: $7,000
• Your Insurance Plan: $500 annual deductible, 90% reimbursement.
• Your Out-of-Pocket Cost: You pay your $500 deductible first. Of the remaining $6,500, insurance covers 90% ($5,850), and you cover your 10% co-pay ($650).
• Your Total Cost: $500 + $650 = **$1,150**
• Insurance Pays: $5,850

In this scenario, insurance saved you nearly $6,000. For many families, this is the difference between being able to afford the surgery or not. If financing is still needed for your portion, options are available. According to CareCredit, a leading healthcare financing company, many veterinary clinics offer payment plans to help manage these costs.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind

The average cost of BOAS surgery is significant, but it’s an investment in your dog’s quality of life. The ability to run, play, and simply breathe without a struggle is priceless.

The smartest way to prepare for this possibility is to enroll in a comprehensive pet insurance plan while your dog is still a young, healthy puppy. By doing so, you ensure that if the need for surgery ever arises, your decision will be based on your dog’s health, not on your bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)