Why are vet bills so expensive?

Of all the topics that I write about, the one that always gets the biggest response from my readers is pets. We love our furry, feathery and scaly friends. But they can be expensive, especially if they get sick. In fact, vet bills have become so high in the UK that the watchdog has now stepped in.

Following a surge during the pandemic, about 60% of all adults in the UK own a pet, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). But while having an animal at home can be a source of great joy, it can also come with a great deal of financial pain.

The CMA has become so concerned about soaring costs and a lack of competition in the UK’s £2 billion veterinary services market that it has now launched a review. While we wait for the watchdog to release its findings, I have some tips on how you can keep costs down.

In this article, I cover:

Read more: Best pet insurance providers

Why are vet bills so expensive in the UK?

It is fair to say that pretty much everything has been going up in price over the last few years. Sky-high energy bills and soaring food prices had pushed inflation into double digits as recently as March. Inflation is still well above the Bank of England’s 2% target.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 vets, says the current economic situation is putting extra financial pressure on the industry.

“Soaring inflation and the cost-of-living crisis is impacting both pet owners and business, including vet practices,” said BVA president Malcolm Morley.

Demand is also rising in line with increased pet ownership and a backlog of cases built up during the pandemic. But at the same time, the number of qualified vets in the UK is falling.

The industry relies on people coming to the UK to work as vets. The latest figures from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) however suggests the number has fallen 68%, from 1,132 in 2019 to just 365 in 2021.

But the CMA argues that vet bills have risen more than any other goods or services during the cost of living crisis and has decided to launch a review to find out why.

Will vet bills fall as a result of the review?

The cost of living crisis has put enormous strain on household budgets. The watchdog is keen to ensure pet owners are getting value for money from vets.

The CMA has highlighted a number of concerns that it wants to investigate in its review:

Chief executive of the CMA, Sarah Cardell, said: “When a pet is unwell, they often need urgent treatment, which means that pet owners may not shop around for the best deal, like they do with other services.

“This means they may not have the relevant information to make informed decisions at what can be a distressing time.”

The watchdog is worried that a lack of competition, due to fewer independent practices, could reduce the incentives of local vets to compete on prices.

The BVA refutes the claims that changes in the sector have affected competition and is pushing up prices.

“The veterinary sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the growth of large veterinary corporates operating alongside independent vet practices,” said BVA president Malcolm Morley.

“However, we’ve not seen any hard data or real evidence to suggest that corporatisation is driving up prices or negatively impacting quality of care.”

The CMA wants to hear from pet owners and those working within the industry. An update on the review is expected in early 2024 when the watchdog will propose its next steps.

So, in sum, don’t expect bills to fall next week!

How can I avoid expensive vet bills?

Unfortunately there is no NHS for our pets but there are actions that you can take to keep the cost of vets bills down.

1. Research the breed before you buy

Doing a bit of research in advance can save you a fortune. Ideally, you’d do this before you buy a particular pet and breed. That way you can have a realistic picture about what the future might hold and the level of potential costs.

If a pet is expensive to insure, it is because insurers believe that there is a bigger financial risk with that animal. For example, English bulldogs are the most expensive dog breeds to insure. This is because they suffer long-term breathing problems and other health issues that often need treatment.

Despite their popularity, labradors, golden retrievers and English springer spaniels also make the top ten most expensive because of their propensity to suffer severe health issues. Jack Russell terriers, on the other hand, are among the most affordable, according to A-plan Insurance.

Of course, most people aren’t going to do this research before they bring a new pet into the family. So if you’ve already committed, here’s what to do.

2. Get to know the vets in your area

Pop in to your local practices and say hello. Enquire about registering and ask them to give you a few prices for basic health issues like injections and chipping. You can use this information to compare with other vets in your area.

You may want to use the vet closest to you for emergencies, but a cheaper one for your main health visits.

3. Ask about payments

Once you’ve built up a relationship with a vet that you like, ask them if they accept payments in instalments. This is just in case you get hit by a hefty bill that isn’t covered by insurance further down the line.

The practice may offer a basic service for treatments, such as worming and vaccinations, with payment split over a 12-month period.

4. Prevention is better than cure

If your pet is more likely to suffer from certain health conditions, ask the vet about preventative measures that you can take. Find out what else you can do to keep your pet in tip-top shape.

Regular exercise and a good diet goes without saying but teeth brushing, for instance, can have more benefits than just pearly whites and minty-fresh breath. Bacteria from gum infections can spread to other organs in your pet’s body, leading to complications.

And on the off-chance we have a heatwave in the UK, it can be bad for your pooch to be walked in temperatures higher than 24C can be bad for it (and never walk dogs in temperatures over 28C).

5. Get insurance

No matter how well you look after your pet, injuries and illness do happen. Pet insurance could cover you if medical treatment is required.

It is generally going to be cheaper to get cover when your pet is young and healthy and has no pre-existing conditions.

I’d also suggest you try to put aside some extra cash each month to cover unexpected bills. You can set up an online account easily and savings interest rates are decent too.

What happens if I can’t pay my vet bills?

If you can’t afford expensive bills, then still speak to your local vet to see if they have any tips or suggestions. They may also be aware of any subsidised or support services in your local neighbourhood if cash is really tight.

The RSPCA says that your vet should be able to offer you other, cheaper options depending on your circumstance and location.

Vet advice lines and apps can be a good way to establish whether non-emergency treatment is needed or not. FirstVet and Joii are often mentioned by those who contact me, but there are a range of options out there [Note – I’ve not used these!]

Some readers have told me that they use pet pharmacies to obtain drugs much cheaper than the ones on offer via the vet. I would urge caution here. There is a range of online pharmacies for humans too, some of which are great and some are decidedly dodgy.

If you do go down this route, research thoroughly, check review sites and look for UK-based companies. You can ask your vet to write a prescription for you to buy the medication cheaper elsewhere. But they will probably charge you for writing it, so do the calculations to find out which is the best option.

You might also want to check to see if there are any teaching or veterinary hospitals in your area that offer cheaper emergency treatments.

Can I get help with vet bills on universal credit?

A number of animal charities can offer you support to care for your pets, especially if you are in receipt of certain benefits.

The PDSA, RSPCA and Blue Cross all offer help, which might include free or subsidised treatment and medications if you fulfil other eligibility criteria. Typical benefits include:

Blue Cross also runs a food bank and can offer other items free of charge, such as bedding.

Important information

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