The competition regulator is taking aim at the UK’s £2bn veterinary industry, amid fears that a surge in chain-owned surgeries may be leaving pet owners with dwindling choice and “eye-watering” bills.
The review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is part of efforts to protect the 17 million households who now own a pet in the UK – a figure that jumped significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The watchdog said it was concerned that a drop in independent vet practices across the industry – which accounted for just 45% of practices in 2021, compared with 89% in 2013 – had left households with few opportunities to shop around. That could result in poor information about pricing and treatment options, particularly for urgent and life-saving treatments.
Overall, the cost of owning a dog is estimated to have jumped by 12.8% – or about £256 – over the past year to total about £2,500, according to the ONS. Households expect to spend more than £39,078 during a pet’s lifetime, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home figures suggest. A recent survey by the Dogs Trust charity showed that four in five owners were worried about the costs of looking after their dog.
The CMA’s chief executive, Sarah Cardell, said: “Caring for an ill pet can create real financial pressure, particularly alongside other cost of living concerns. It’s really important that people get clear information and pricing to help them make the right choices.”
Cardell said the recent wave of vet surgery consolidation meant it was the “right time” to look at how the market was working. “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. We want to hear from pet owners and people who work in the sector about their experiences.”
The regulator is now calling for evidence from pet owners and people who work in the veterinary industry, including veterinary surgeons, nurses, and practice managers.
Respondents will be asked to share how they choose their vet surgeries, the pricing of treatments, and whether they are aware their vets are part of a larger chain that might own other surgeries in the area. They are also being asked to share whether they rely on insurance to cover all or part of services and treatments.
The watchdog is also seeking information on how prescriptions and medications are arranged as well as access for out-of-office and emergency vet services, particularly where options are limited.
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, said: “Consumers have no choice but to turn to vets when their beloved pet is sick or injured – often footing eye-watering bills in the process.”
She said the consumer advocate group had uncovered a “number of areas of concern, such as pet owners not knowing the price of treatments until after their appointment, people being unaware their vet is part of a chain and difficulties shopping around for cheaper medication.”
“The Competition and Market Authority’s review must consider these issues and lead to a more competitive veterinary industry which makes it easier for pet-owners to shop around for the best option for them and their pet,” Davies added.
The CMA said it would provide a further update on the review and propose next steps in early 2024.
Average cost of vet treatments
Annual dog vaccinations: £70
X-rays: £395
Cat neutering/spaying: £95-£175
Dog neutering/spaying: £195-£295
Gastroenteritis: £592
Diabetes: £186
Lameness: £966
Seizures: £656
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): £1,686
Sources: CompareTheMarket; vet surgery Animal Trust; Confused.com
