Farm Call Costs by State: What Large Animal Vets Charge in 2026
By FarmVet Guide Editorial · Published January 2026 · Based on verified data from our directory of 9,500+ practices
One of the biggest concerns for livestock owners is the cost of veterinary farm calls. Unlike small animal clinics where you bring your pet in, large animal vets often need to travel to your location — and that trip fee adds up.
Average Farm Call Costs
A typical farm call fee ranges from $75 to $200 just for the trip, before any treatments or medications. After-hours emergency calls can run $200 to $500+ for the trip alone.
What Affects Farm Call Cost
- Distance — Most vets charge a mileage fee on top of the base call fee.
- Time of day — After-hours and weekend calls cost significantly more.
- Number of animals — Some vets reduce per-head costs for herd work.
- Region — Costs are higher in areas with fewer large animal vets (supply and demand).
How to Reduce Vet Costs
- Schedule herd work — Batch vaccinations, pregnancy checks, and deworming into single visits.
- Join a herd health program — Many vets offer discounted rates for ongoing herd health clients.
- Ask about haul-in discounts — Bringing animals to the clinic eliminates the trip fee.