Vet Prices in UK Soared to 63%: Watchdog Steps In To Protect Pet Owners From High Bills

Veterinary costs across the United Kingdom have surged by as much as 63% in recent years, prompting the country's competition watchdog to step in with sweeping reforms aimed at protecting pet owners from rising bills and hidden charges.

​Between 2016 and 2023, average vet service prices have seen a spike of more than 60% according to data obtained by The Guardian. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its two-and-a-half-year investigation into the £6.7 billion veterinary sector uncovered concerns about pricing transparency and competition. 'There is not strong competition between veterinary businesses,' the CMA noted.

​CMA Targets Transparency & Hidden Costs

​The watchdog found that many pet owners were not given clear or consistent information about treatment costs, making it difficult to compare prices or make informed decisions.

It also highlighted that a growing number of veterinary practices are owned by large corporate groups, a shift that has reduced visibility for consumers about who is ultimately providing their care.

​The review concluded that a lack of transparency and growing corporate consolidation in the industry had left many pet owners 'in the dark' about costs. Large chains dominate significant parts of the market, limiting competition and reducing incentives to keep prices down.

​The investigation also uncovered issues with hidden fees and inconsistent pricing, with many pet owners being charged fees for routine services and medications in ways that were difficult for them to anticipate. Some clinics bundled multiple services into a single charge without clearly itemising costs, while others varied prices depending on whether the practice was independently owned or part of a corporate group.​

Investigation Triggered by Widespread Complaints

​The inquiry was first launched in September 2023 following mounting concerns about the pricing and competition in the sector.

An initial call for evidence drew what the CMA described as an 'unprecedented' response, with over 50,000 submissions from pet owners and industry professionals alike, per The Times. The review also noted that a surge in pet ownership occurred during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

​The CMA's inquiry also exposed friction between independent and larger corporate veterinary practices, along with reports of mistreatment brought about by problems in having a limited workforce.

​Shielding Pet Owners from High Bills

​The CMA has introduced a series of reforms designed to shield pet owners from high bills. Practices are now required to publish detailed, comprehensive price lists for standard services, including consultations, routine procedures, prescriptions, and the like. In addition, veterinary practices are also required to disclose whether they are part of a larger corporate group or are independently owned.

​Under the new measures, vet practices will only be allowed to charge up to £21 for an initial written prescription, with any additional medications capped at £12.50 each. This threshold is higher than the £16 limit originally considered by the CMA.

​'Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds,' said Martin Coleman, the chair of the investigation, emphasising that the findings exposed a lack of clarity for customers navigating veterinary care.

​'Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator,' Coleman also said.