Pet Care Cost Guide • Virginia • Updated May 2026
How much does acl/ccl surgery for a dog cost in Virginia?
In Virginia, $knee surgery typically costs $2500–$5500, with an average around $4000. Final price depends on the clinic, your pet, and what's included.
Cost range — Virginia
Virginia vet costs vary substantially: Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax) trends close to DC metro pricing, while Hampton Roads and Richmond run closer to national averages.
What is acl/ccl surgery for a dog?
ACL/CCL surgery (most commonly TPLO — tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) is the surgical repair of a torn cranial cruciate ligament in a dog's knee. It's one of the most common orthopedic surgeries in dogs and typically performed by a surgical specialist.
What's typically included in the cost
- ✓ Pre-operative imaging
- ✓ Anesthesia and monitoring
- ✓ Surgery itself
- ✓ Pain medication (typically 2-4 weeks)
- ✓ Multiple recheck appointments
- ✓ Sometimes post-op rehabilitation referral
What affects the price
- Type of repair (TPLO vs TTA vs extracapsular)
- Size of dog (larger = more expensive)
- Pre-operative imaging (X-rays, MRI sometimes)
- Specialty surgeon vs general practice
- Post-op physical therapy (sometimes recommended)
Cost context for Virginia
Virginia vet costs vary substantially: Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax) trends close to DC metro pricing, while Hampton Roads and Richmond run closer to national averages.
Major metros in Virginia: Virginia Beach, Richmond, Norfolk, Arlington, Alexandria
Get pre and post-op support from RexVet.
For knee surgery, you'll need an in-person clinic. RexVet handles all the pre- and post-procedure questions — what to expect, how recovery works, when to worry — for $64.99 per video visit.
Book a $64.99 video visitACL/CCL surgery for a dog in Virginia
Frequently asked questions
Is acl/ccl surgery for a dog more expensive in Virginia?
Costs in Virginia range roughly $2500-$5500 for knee surgery — with cities like Virginia Beach, Richmond, Norfolk typically at the higher end of that range. Virginia vet costs vary substantially: Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax) trends close to DC metro pricing, while Hampton Roads and Richmond run closer to national averages.
Where can I find lower-cost acl/ccl surgery for a dog in Virginia?
Look at: nonprofit veterinary clinics in your Virginia metro, veterinary teaching hospitals (University of Florida in FL, Cornell in NY, Virginia-Maryland Vet School in VA), and dedicated low-cost surgical clinics. Quality varies — read reviews and verify the clinic uses modern anesthesia protocols and pain management.
Is ACL surgery always necessary in dogs?
Surgery is the gold standard for medium and large dogs (over 30 lbs) with a complete tear. Smaller dogs and partial tears sometimes manage with conservative care (rest, physical therapy, joint supplements, pain medication).
How long is recovery from ACL surgery in dogs?
Most dogs are back to normal activity 4-6 months post-op, with strict activity restriction the first 8-12 weeks. Physical therapy speeds recovery.
Will my dog tear the other ACL too?
Yes, often — approximately 40-60% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within 1-2 years. Weight management and conditioning help reduce risk.
Can RexVet help post-ACL surgery?
Yes — common questions ('Is this swelling normal?', 'When can I take the cone off?', 'How do I do the rehab exercises?') are answered by RexVet video visit for $64.99.
ACL/CCL surgery for a dog cost in other states
Other pet care costs in Virginia
Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet. Licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
Cost ranges sourced from public industry references (CareCredit, AAHA, Pawlicy Advisor, Forbes Advisor). Actual prices at any specific clinic may differ. Always confirm with the clinic before scheduling.