Preventive medication cost
Preventives cost far less than treating heartworm or an infestation.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 3 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCA yearly estimate, dog | $185 | [1] |
| ASPCA yearly estimate, cat | $140 | [1] |
| Flea & tick prevention, total (owner reports) | $120–$360 | [2] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- The kind of product Chews are $18–$30 a month, spot-on treatments $10–$18 a month, and a collar $55–$70. [3]
- Your pet’s size Bigger dogs cost more per dose. [3]
- Where you buy it The clinic usually charges the most and online pharmacies less. [3]
- Heartworm in the same dose A combination product costs $5–$10 a month more than flea and tick alone. [3]
- How long a dose lasts Some are monthly, Bravecto lasts 3 months and a Seresto collar 8. [3]
Ways to save
- Ask for a written prescription Chewy and 1-800-PetMeds usually charge less than the clinic for Nexgard, Simparica and Bravecto. Your vet can send the prescription. [3]
- Look for a maker’s rebate Nexgard, Simparica and Bravecto often have $15–$50 rebates on 6- and 12-month supplies. [3]
- Ask your vet about a combination product It often costs about the same as buying flea, tick and heartworm products separately. Ask whether one suits your pet. [3]
- Price out the collar A Seresto collar is $55–$70 and lasts 8 months. Ask your vet whether a collar suits your pet. [3]
- Some products need no prescription Frontline Plus and Seresto are sold at Costco, Amazon and pet stores. [3]
- Ask the price of a 6- or 12-month supply A larger supply usually costs less per dose than one month at a time. [3]
Questions to ask your vet
Print this or bring it on your phone.
Common questions
How much is heartworm prevention per year?
The ASPCA budgets about $185 a year for a dog's heartworm and flea/tick preventives combined.
How much does flea and tick prevention cost?
Based on 10 real line items, flea and tick prevention at the vet costs between $10 and $25 per purchase. Monthly chewables (Nexgard, Simparica): $18–$25/month at the vet, $14–$20 online. 3-month chewable (Bravecto): $50–$70 per dose. Topicals (Frontline, Advantix): $10–$20/month. Annual cost: $120–$360 depending on product and where you buy. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does each flea/tick product cost?
Dog products: Nexgard ($18–$25/month), Simparica Trio ($22–$30/month, includes heartworm), Bravecto ($50–$70/3 months), Frontline Plus ($12–$18/month), Seresto collar ($55–$70/8 months). Cat products: Revolution Plus ($20–$28/month, combo), Bravecto Plus ($25–$35/2 months), Frontline ($10–$15/month). Online prices are 15–30% cheaper than vet clinic pricing. (Source: VetReceipt)
Where is the cheapest place to buy flea and tick prevention?
Online pet pharmacies are consistently cheapest: Chewy (15–25% less than vet), 1-800-PetMeds (similar), Amazon (select products). Prescription products (Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto) need a vet prescription — ask your vet to call it in to an online pharmacy. OTC products (Frontline, Seresto collar) are available anywhere without a prescription. Manufacturer rebates ($15–$50 back on 6–12 month supplies) stack with online discounts. (Source: VetReceipt)
Related guides
Sources
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- VetReceipt – Vet cost guides from 2,900+ owner bills
- VetReceipt – Flea & Tick Prevention Cost (owner bills, 2026)
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