Vet price comparison tool launched to help pet owners save money on bills

15 February 2024 , 15:57

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Pet owners can now compare veterinary prices with new price comparison tool (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The first ever tool for comparing vet prices has been launched, in the wake of escalating bills.

VetHelpDirect, a leading provider of pet care solutions, has brought out the platform as a response to the growing demand among pet owners for transparent pricing information in the veterinary industry. According to its research, 70% of people with pets have said they want to be able to compare prices, something which is currently difficult for the majority of consumers to do.

The tool will allow pet owners to compare prices among independent and some corporate-owned veterinary practices across the UK.
By building a basket of standardised prices, the tool provides clarity on where practices stand relative to the local average, say VetHelpDirect.

At present, there are substantial price discrepancies seen nationwide, meanwhile than 1% of surveyed practices disclosed their prices online, highlighting the need for increased transparency in the industry.

Dr. Susie Samuel, founder of VetHelpDirect, said: "This lack of transparency is a problem because it gives the impression that the practices are hiding their prices. Most practices are very happy to answer queries over the phone, but it does make it much harder for pet owners to gauge the prices they can see. High prices are usually a result of a different service level, but it's often also very difficult for owners to understand the service level provided. Not every owner wants 'gold standard', human-level care, and that's absolutely fine."

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The initiative coincides with the ongoing investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into veterinary pricing practices.
The CMA said fees are rising faster than other goods and services during the cost of living crisis. Consultations can start at £50 while even minor procedures can be as much as £300.

Independent practices accounted for 89% of the UK veterinary industry in 2013 - but that had fallen to about 45% by 2021.
The CMA said this could impact pet owners’ choices and reduce the incentives of local vet practices to compete. The British Veterinary Association said it welcomed the CMA’s review into the sector.

Last year, experts told The Mirror that rising bills were partially down to a crisis in the veterinary industry, with problems of retention among vets similar to that seen in the NHS.

Natasha Wynarczyk