The UK’s competition watchdog has recently highlighted it’s concerns that pet owner’s could be paying too much for medicines or prescriptions.
Whether pet owners are getting value for money at the vets has been the subject of a review by the Competition and Markets Authority. The findings identified concerns that pet owner’s were not always being provided with enough information to help them choose the best veterinary practice for their pet’s needs, and at times, a lack of transparency or availability of price lists and prescription costs.
The CMA collated up to 56,000 responses to their initial investigation, which included the views of both pet owners and those working within the vet industry. A fifth of people who responded said they were not provided with cost details before agreeing tests on their pets, whist nearly half said they were not informed about charges before agreeing to out-of-hours treatment.
The CMA has now launched a consultation, which closes on 11th April, with a view to a formal market investigation.
What can I do to help keep my vet bills down?
One of the best ways to help keep vet bills down is to keep your pet at a healthy weight through a sensible diet and regular exercise.
Look to ensure your pet has up to date vaccinations, flea and worming treatments. These all help to prevent diseases and further complications in the long run.
Many vets also offer monthly plan options which can help spread the cost. And if you have financial concerns, charities such as the PDSA and Blue Cross, can offer support.
If you have any concerns regarding your pet’s health, you can reach out to our team of RCVS registered veterinary nurses, who are on hand 24/7 to provide experienced advice for all our Scratch & Patch members.
