Vets face probe into rip-off medicine prices as Brit pet owners are overcharged
Pet owners are potentially being overcharged for treatment at the vets, a watchdog has found.
Fees for medicines and procedures are rising faster than other goods and services, the Competition and Markets Authority found. The body has been probing the veterinary industry since September, amid concerns pet owners may not be getting a good deal. Now it is set to launch a more formal probe, which could result in price caps on prescription fees.
CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “Our review has identified multiple concerns with the market that we think should be investigated.” The vet industry is currently worth £2billion, after pet ownership rose to two-thirds of UK households during the coronavirus pandemic.
The CMA found more than 80% of vet surgeries did not provide pricing information online. A fifth of pet owners said they were not provided with cost information before agreeing to tests and one in 10 were not told about pricing before their pet went in for surgery.
And more than half of all surgeries are owned by one of six chains, leaving pet owners with less choice. Sue Davies, of consumer group Which?, said: “UK pet owners are exposed to unclear pricing practices and are at risk of being ripped off. The CMA must get to the bottom of these issues and the regulator needs to be prepared to take action.”
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An average trip to the vet costs £393, according to Tesco Bank Pet Insurance. But 41% of cats and 39% of dogs are not insured. Dr Anna Judson, of the British Veterinary Association, said: “Rising prices are a concern but there is no NHS for pets. The cost is a reflection of investment in equipment, supplies and medicines.”
Brian Flynn with Flash the Beagle at home in Faversham, Kent (Brian Flynn / SWNS)
Holly Wren with her dachshund MarvinFlash's story
Brian Flynn saved thousands of pounds in vet bills by having his dog treated abroad. A UK vet quoted Brian £5,318 for surgery and aftercare when Flash, his eight-year-old Beagle, suffered a leg injury during a holiday in France last month. Brian, 52, from Faversham, Kent, took Flash to a vet in Bourg-Saint-Maurice who did the surgery for just £1,493. Flash is now recovering at home. Brain said: “I was genuinely shocked at the huge difference between the prices.”
Marvin's story
Holly Wren spent around £20,000 on spinal surgeries and teeth removal last year for her 12-year-old miniature dachshund Marvin. The 40-year-old photographer, from Horsham, West Sussex, had insurance, but this only covered £3,000 of the costs, leaving her to cover the rest on credit cards. She was told Marvin needed hydrotherapy, but stopped this because she could not afford £120 for two, half-hour sessions a week. Holly said: “It feels like they can charge what they want because you’re a captive audience. There’s also big discrepancies around the UK.”
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