Dog ACL (CCL) surgery cost in 2026
Dog ACL (CCL) surgery costs $1,500 to $10,000 per knee in 2026, and most people pay about $3,525.
What moves the price
- The type of surgery changes the price a lot, and TPLO costs more than a lateral suture repair.
- Bigger dogs cost more because they need larger implants and more medicine.
- A board certified surgeon usually charges more than a general vet clinic.
- Where you live changes the price, and big cities and specialty hospitals cost more.
- Meniscus care, hospital stays and rehab can add to the bill.
What is included
Many quotes cover the exam, X-rays, anesthesia, the surgery, plates and screws, one night in the hospital, and take-home medicine. Some clinics bill X-rays, bloodwork, re-checks and rehab as extras. A second knee is a second surgery and a second bill.
Dog ACL surgery cost by type, per knee
| Surgery type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Lateral suture (extracapsular) | $750 to $3,200 |
| TightRope | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| TTA | $3,000 to $6,500 |
| TPLO | $2,000 to $10,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Lemonade.
Ways to pay less
- Get a written, itemized quote from more than one clinic and compare what each one includes.
- Ask if a lateral suture repair is right for the dog, since it costs less for some smaller dogs.
- Look at vet school hospitals and lower cost surgical practices, and check pet insurance waiting periods before an injury happens.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Lemonade: How Much Does Dog ACL Surgery Cost?
- Lemonade: Understanding the Costs of TPLO Surgery for Dogs
- Oodle Life: Dog Torn ACL Surgery Cost (2026)
- ThePricer: How much does cruciate ligament dog surgery cost
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Dog ACL (CCL) surgery costs $1,500 to $10,000 per knee in 2026, and most people pay about $3,525. Most people pay about $3,525 per knee. The low end is $1,500 and the high end is $10,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The type of surgery changes the price a lot, and TPLO costs more than a lateral suture repair; Bigger dogs cost more because they need larger implants and more medicine; A board certified surgeon usually charges more than a general vet clinic.
How can I pay less?
Get a written, itemized quote from more than one clinic and compare what each one includes. Ask if a lateral suture repair is right for the dog, since it costs less for some smaller dogs. Look at vet school hospitals and lower cost surgical practices, and check pet insurance waiting periods before an injury happens.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 4 named price guides: Lemonade, Lemonade, Oodle Life, ThePricer. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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